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A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on March 2nd 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Presenter/Producer: Kris Boswell.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society says the U.S.-Israeli strikes have killed over 550 people in Iran so far (01:04). China says more than 3,000 of its nationals have left Iran and one has been killed in the air strikes so far (11:20). A spokesperson for the upcoming annual session of China's national legislature will unveil the session's agenda on Wednesday (22:06).

China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the attack on Iran and the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday, while experts warned that the joint military strikes will have far-reaching repercussions in the region and the world.外交部发言人3月1日表示，中方坚决反对并强烈谴责美国和以色列对伊朗发动的袭击以及刺杀伊朗最高领袖哈梅内伊的行为。专家警告称，此次联合军事行动将对该地区乃至全世界产生深远影响。Calling the attack a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, the spokesperson said it also tramples on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and basic norms governing international relations. "We urge an immediate stop to the military operations, no further escalation of the tense situation, and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large," the spokesperson added.发言人在回答记者提问时表示，袭击并杀害伊朗最高领导人，严重侵犯伊朗主权安全，践踏《联合国宪章》宗旨原则和国际关系基本准则，中方对此予以坚决反对和强烈谴责。"我们敦促立即停止军事行动，避免紧张事态进一步升级，共同维护中东和世界和平稳定。"发言人强调。The US-Israeli airstrikes, which entered a second day on Sunday, have killed more than 200 people in Iran, including Khamenei, 86, and dozens of students at a girls' primary school in the southern part of the country, according to Iranian authorities.据伊朗官方证实，美以空袭进入第二天，已造成伊朗境内200余人死亡，包括86岁的最高领袖哈梅内伊，以及该国南部一所女子小学的数十名学生。The joint strikes have drawn the Middle East into unknown territory, as Iran has retaliated by firing missiles targeting Israel and 27 US military bases in the region.此次联合打击使中东地区局势进入未知境地，伊朗已向以色列及该地区27处美军基地发射导弹作为报复。The attack has opened a dangerous new chapter in terms of US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in over eight months that the US and Israel have attacked Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear program.此次袭击开启了美国干预伊朗事务的危险新篇章，这是八个多月以来，美以在其核计划谈判期间第二次对伊朗发动袭击。On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sharply criticized the strikes in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, calling for an immediate cessation of US-Israel military operations in Iran, a prompt return to dialogue and negotiations, and joint opposition to such unilateral actions. Wang said that China has consistently advocated adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and is opposed to the use of force in international relations.3月1日，外交部长王毅同俄罗斯外长拉夫罗夫通电话时严厉批评了此次袭击行动。王毅呼吁立即停止军事行动，尽快重回对话谈判，共同反对单边行径。王毅表示，中方一贯主张遵守联合国宪章宗旨原则，反对在国际关系中使用武力。The blatant killing of a leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are "unacceptable", he said, adding that these actions "violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations".在国际关系中动辄使用武力，公然击杀一个主权国家领导人、鼓动政权更迭，这种行为"不可接受"，他补充说，这些行为"违反了国际法和国际关系基本准则"。Noting that the conflict has spread throughout the Persian Gulf, Wang said the situation may be pushed into a dangerous abyss, and China is highly concerned about this. He emphasized that launching military strikes against a sovereign state without the authorization of the UN Security Council undermines the foundation for peace established after World War II.王毅指出，目前战事已延烧至整个波斯湾，中东局势有可能被推向危险的深渊，中方对此高度关切。他强调，未经联合国安理会授权对主权国家大打出手，破坏二战之后建立的和平根基。Wang called on the international community to clearly and unequivocally voice opposition to the world regressing to the law of the jungle.王毅呼吁国际社会应当发出明确、清晰声音，反对世界倒退回丛林法则。Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the killing of Khamenei was a "declaration of war against Muslims". Iran issued a statement vowing that this "great crime will never go unanswered", its official news agency IRNA reported.伊朗总统佩泽希齐扬表示，刺杀哈梅内伊是对"穆斯林的宣战"。伊朗官方通讯社援引伊方声明称，这一"重大罪行绝不会得不到回应"。Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera network on Sunday that a new supreme leader will be chosen in "one or two days". Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that leadership duties would temporarily be assumed by the Iranian president, the judiciary chief and a jurist from the nation's Constitutional Council.伊朗外长阿拉格齐3月1日告诉半岛电视台，将在"一两天内"选出新的最高领袖。伊朗塔斯尼姆通讯社报道，领导职责将暂时由伊朗总统、司法部长和宪法监护委员会的一名法学家共同承担。Local media reports quoted Iran's Revolutionary Guard as saying that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital waterway for oil and gas shipments — was restricted to vessels on Saturday.当地媒体报道援引伊朗革命卫队称，霍尔木兹海峡——这一至关重要的油气运输水道——已于2月28日对船只实施限制。Jasim Al-Azzawi, an analyst in Iraq, said the conflict already looked broader and deeper than the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June last year.伊拉克分析人士阿扎维表示，此次冲突的广度和深度已经超过去年6月以色列与伊朗为期12天的战争。The recent strikes "followed mediators' announcement of a significant 'breakthrough' in negotiations", with talks set to resume last week, Al-Azzawi told Al Jazeera, adding that "clearly, diplomacy was never meant to succeed and was merely used to mask war plans".他指出，最近的袭击发生在调解人宣布谈判取得重大"突破"之后，原定上周恢复谈判，"显然，外交从未真正打算成功，只是用来掩盖战争计划的幌子"。"From the timing of the attack, it is apparent that Washington and Tel Aviv had already made up their minds weeks ago. Iran's readiness to retaliate across the region suggests it is willing to wage a long war rather than compromise," he added."从袭击时机来看，华盛顿和特拉维夫显然数周前就已下定决心。伊朗准备在整个地区进行报复，这表明它愿意打一场持久战，而不是妥协。"他补充道。Sun Degang, director of Fudan University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Shanghai, said the previous rounds of talks between the US and Iran appear to have been a mere delaying tactic, giving time for US-Israeli military deployments.复旦大学中东研究中心主任孙德刚分析认为，前几轮美伊谈判似乎只是拖延战术，为美以军事部署争取时间。"The US and Israel, seeking a pretext for military action against Iran, used the talks to enable the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Middle East," he said."美国和以色列在寻求对伊朗采取军事行动的借口时，利用谈判促成了两艘美国航母向中东的部署。"Sun added that the recent strikes in Iran may be the beginning of a full-scale conflict, as this time, Iran's determination to retaliate is significantly greater, potentially leading to the mobilization of its full capabilities to counter US-Israeli actions".他表示，此次对伊朗的打击可能是全面冲突的开端，因为这一次伊朗报复的决心明显更大，可能会调动全部能力来反击美以行动。Yan Wei, deputy director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at China's Northwest University, pointed out that Iran's retaliatory actions may lead to the US and Israel taking further escalatory measures.西北大学中东研究所副所长闫伟指出，伊朗的报复行动可能导致美以采取进一步升级措施。"In addition to intensifying military strikes and potentially expanding the range of targets, the US and Israel may further tighten economic sanctions on Iran, and step up information campaigns aimed at weakening the Iranian government's domestic and international standing," he said."除了加强军事打击和可能扩大目标范围外，美以可能进一步收紧对伊朗的经济制裁，并加大信息宣传力度，以削弱伊朗政府在国内外地位。"Emphasizing that the US-Israeli strikes in Iran constitute violations of the UN principles and international law, Yan urged nations in the Global South, as well as the UN, to unite to promote peace, end the conflict and resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through political means.他强调美以在伊朗的打击行为违反联合国原则和国际法，敦促全球南方国家以及联合国团结起来，促进和平，结束冲突，通过政治手段解决伊朗核问题。far-reaching repercussion /ˈfɑːˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən/深远影响grave violation /ɡreɪv ˌvaɪəˈleɪʃən/严重侵犯retaliate /rɪˈtælieɪt/报复blatant /ˈbleɪtənt/公然的incitement of regime change /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt ɒv reɪˈʒiːm tʃeɪndʒ/煽动政权更迭abyss /əˈbɪs/深渊unequivocally /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli/明确地

Ali Velshi continues MS NOW's special coverage of U.S. and Israelis military strikes against Iran; America's adversarial history with Iran goes back decades; and the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry calls the U.S.-led attacks an “unwarranted act of aggression.” To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cormac Smith has worked in Public Relations and Corporate Communications for over three decades. In 2016 he traveled to Ukraine to take up a special appointment as the ‘Strategic Communication Advisor' to Pavlo Klimkin, then the Foreign Minister of Ukraine. He was attached to the British Embassy in Kyiv but was embedded in Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first foreigner to hold such a position. While in Kyiv, he also advised and provided training for five other government ministries and worked directly with three other cabinet ministers: Health, Education and the Deputy Prime Minister. ----------LINKS:https://defencebrink.uk/https://x.com/CormacS63https://x.com/philipingmbe----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------DESCRIPTION:Cormac Smith on Ukraine: Why “As Long As It Takes” Is Not a StrategyJonathan interviews communications veteran Cormac Smith, formerly embedded in Ukraine's Foreign Ministry as a strategic communications adviser, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Smith argues the West should have said “with Ukraine until they win,” criticizing “as long as it takes” as planless and enabling slow-walked, constrained military aid and excessive fear of Putin's nuclear threats. ----------

"We have a great interest in creating an axis of our own." Those are the words of Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his second visit to Israel. In an increasingly volatile region, what's driving what Israel describes as its special relationship with India? In this episode: Alon Liel, Former director of Israel's Foreign Ministry and international relations commentator Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London Siddharth Vardarajan, Founding editor of The Wire, an Indian digital news portal Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry's Liubov Abravitoval says Ukraine is fighting not just for its borders but for a world free from bigger neighbors swallowing smaller ones by force. This as the country marks the 4th anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Four years ago today (24 February 2022), Russia invaded Ukraine in what Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin said was a special military operation. Russia attacked Ukraine from three fronts in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the country, and there's still no end in sight as Russia continues to strike Ukraine. Liubov Abravitova, Director for Africa and Regional African Organizations at the MFA of Ukraine, unpacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday morning and will address the ceremony where 20 heads of the state are expected to be present. The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), before which a 17-year-old boy appeared a day after he allegedly drove a speeding Mahindra Scorpio that killed 23-year-old biker Sahil Dhaneshra in Dwarka Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that India may scale back its purchases of Russian oil, saying Moscow sees no indication of a shift in New Delhi's position and describing the trade as mutually beneficial and stabilising for global energy markets. The year was 2014. Mumbai, led by Suryakumar Yadav, entered the tournament as 40-time champions. The trailer of the upcoming Hindi film, The Kerala Story 2, has sparked divisive reactions hours after it was launched. The film, said to be based on true events, shows the plight of girls trapped in forced conversion cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beijing urged Tokyo on Monday to adhere to peaceful development and follow the four political documents between China and Japan, which serve as the political foundation of bilateral relations.周一，中方敦促日方坚持和平发展，恪守作为中日双边关系政治基础的中日四个政治文件。Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing after media reports said that Japan's ruling coalition had won a supermajority in a parliamentary election on Sunday.外交部发言人林剑在例行记者会上作出上述表态。此前有媒体报道称，日本执政联盟在周日的国会选举中赢得超三分之二的绝对多数席位。Though the election was an internal affair of Japan, it "indicated some deep-rooted issues and trends" that are "worthy of profound reflection", Lin said.林剑表示，选举虽是日本的国内事务，但本次选举反映一些深层次的结构性问题，以及思潮动向、趋势，值得日本各界有识之士和国际社会深思。"We urge Japan's ruling authorities to face, rather than ignore, the concerns of the international community, to follow the path of peaceful development instead of returning to militarism," Lin said.“我们敦促日本执政当局正视而不是漠视国际社会的关切，走和平发展道路而不是重蹈军国主义覆辙。”林剑说。He called on Japan to "abide by the four political documents between China and Japan, rather than go back on commitments made".他同时敦促日方恪守中日四个政治文件，而不是背信弃义。Japan's ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party secured 352 seats in the snap election, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed to enact bills approved by the House of Representatives, or lower house, but rejected by the House of Councillors, or upper house, public broadcaster NHK reported early Monday.据日本公共广播机构NHK周一早些时候报道，由自民党与日本维新会组成的日本执政联盟，在此次临时选举中斩获352个席位，超过了使众议院通过的法案在遭参议院否决后仍可生效所需的三分之二多数门槛。The LDP, which had 198 seats before the election, gained control of two-thirds of the 465-member lower house on its own after winning 316 seats.选前拥有198个席位的自民党，此次独得316席，单独掌控了465个席位的众议院三分之二以上席位。Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's victory in Sunday's vote has drawn growing attention to the country's political trajectory and regional security outlook. Experts warned that the result could accelerate Japan's rightward shift, strengthen its military posture and heighten regional tensions.日本首相高市早苗在周日选举中的胜选，引发外界对日本政治走向与地区安全前景的高度关注。专家警告称，此次选举结果或将加速日本右倾化进程，强化其军事姿态，加剧地区紧张局势。Hiroshi Shiratori, a professor at Hosei University in Tokyo, told China Daily that the election result is likely to push Japan to further advance its security and intelligence agenda.日本法政大学教授白鸟浩接受《中国日报》采访时表示，选举结果可能推动日本进一步推进其安保与情报相关议程。Since taking office in October, Takaichi has not made a clear commitment in the Diet — the Japanese parliament- to uphold Japan's long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles — not possessing nuclear weapons, not producing them and not permitting their entry into the country — but instead has moved to increase defense spending and revise key security documents.高市早苗自去年10月就任首相以来，并未在日本国会明确承诺坚守日本长期奉行的无核三原则（不拥有、不制造、不运进核武器），反而着手增加防卫开支、修订核心安保文件。On the issue of constitutional revision, Shiratori noted that the LDP's acquisition of more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives means it now has the numbers needed to initiate a constitutional amendment in the lower house.在修宪问题上，白鸟浩指出，自民党拿下众议院超三分之二席位，意味着其已具备在众议院发起修宪动议的席位条件。A two-thirds majority is a key threshold in modern Japanese politics, as it is required to initiate the constitutional amendment process, which also needs a referendum.三分之二多数席位是日本现代政治的关键门槛，发起修宪程序需达到这一要求，修宪最终还需经由全民公投通过。"If constitutional revision moves forward, Japan may shift from its passive, exclusively defense-oriented posture to a more active exercise of the right of collective self-defense, and could even pursue more proactive overseas operations," Shiratori said.“若修宪进程推进，日本或将从被动的专守防卫姿态，转向更主动地行使集体自卫权，甚至可能推行更具进攻性的海外军事行动。”白鸟浩说。The professor also noted that Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, which renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from maintaining armed forces with the potential to wage a war, is founded on a pacifist principle, adding that the Three Non-Nuclear Principles serve as an important guardrail of that pacifism.他还指出，日本宪法第九条放弃以国家主权发动战争的权利，禁止日本保有可发动战争的军事力量，这一条款以和平主义为根基；而无核三原则，则是守护这一和平主义的重要屏障。Jin Yongming, a professor at Ocean University of China's School of International Affairs and Public Administration, said the result of the election is likely to steer Japan toward a more assertive military and diplomatic posture, heightening regional tensions and increasing the risk of confrontation.中国海洋大学国际事务与公共管理学院教授金永明表示，此次选举结果或将让日本采取更强硬的军事与外交姿态，加剧地区紧张局势，提升对抗风险。"Japan's Diet is likely to tilt further to the right. Under a government led by Takaichi, there could be renewed efforts to revise its 'three security documents', ease restrictions on arms exports, and expand Japan's military capabilities, which would mark a significant shift away from its postwar pacifist trajectory to a more overtly militarized posture," Jin said.“日本国会或将进一步右倾。在高市早苗领导的政府执政下，日方或再度推进修订‘安保三文件'、放宽武器出口限制、扩充军事力量，这标志着日本将大幅偏离战后和平主义轨道，转向更为公开的军事化姿态。”金永明说。Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, warned that Japan's far-right forces will face resistance from the Japanese people and a strong response from the international community if they misjudge the situation and act recklessly.外交部发言人林剑警告，日本极右翼势力若误判形势，恣意妄为，必将遭到日本人民的抵制和国际社会迎头痛击。China's policies toward Japan remain stable and consistent, and will not change because of a single election in Japan, Lin said, urging the Japanese side to retract Takaichi's previous erroneous remarks that hinted at military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.林剑表示，中方对日政策始终保持稳定性和连续性，不会因日本某一次选举而变化，同时敦促日方撤回高市早苗此前暗示武力介入台湾海峡的错误言论。Japan should take concrete actions and demonstrate the necessary sincerity in upholding the political foundation of bilateral relations, Lin added.他还表示，日方应以实际行动展现维护中日关系政治基础的基本诚意。Jin, from Ocean University of China, warned that "tensions and strategic rivalry" between the two countries are likely to persist in the foreseeable future, as Japan has long portrayed China as a "challenge" to its national interests and has amplified the so-called "China threat" narrative. It has also actively sought to build exclusive security blocs aimed at constraining China's development, he said.金永明还警告，中日两国的紧张关系与战略博弈在可预见的未来或将持续。日本长期将中国定位为其国家利益的“挑战”，大肆渲染所谓“中国威胁论”，还积极打造排他性安全集团，企图遏制中国发展。"Heightened confrontation between China and Japan would likely weigh on Japan's trade with China, undermining the performance of its manufacturing sector and constraining broader economic growth. It could also impede the momentum of regional cooperation, slowing both its overall progress and institutional development," he added.他补充道，中日对抗升级，势必冲击日本对华贸易，拖累其制造业表现，制约日本整体经济增长；同时也会阻碍地区合作势头，延缓区域整体发展与机制化建设进程。regular news briefing /ˈreɡjələr njuːz ˈbriːfɪŋ/例行记者会militarism /ˈmɪlɪtərɪzəm/军国主义go back on commitments made /ɡəʊ bæk ɒn kəˈmɪtmənts meɪd/ 背信弃义enact bills /ɪˈnækt bɪlz/ 颁布法案political trajectory /pəˈlɪtɪkl trəˈdʒektəri/政治轨迹intelligence /ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/情报constitutional revision /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənl rɪˈvɪʒn/宪法修订referendum /ˌrefəˈrendəm/全民公投proactive /ˌprəʊˈæktɪv/ 进攻性的pacifist /ˈpæsɪfɪst/和平主义的overtly /əʊˈvɜːtli/公开地Japan's far-right forces /dʒəˈpænz ˈfɑː-raɪt ˈfɔːsɪz/日本极右翼势力recklessly /ˈrekləsli/鲁莽地

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and supports the Pakistani government's efforts to safeguard national security, maintain stability, and protect its people.

Dr. Michael Bonner is a political consultant with Atlas Strategic Advisors and former director of policy within the Ontario government. He is a senior fellow at the Aristotle Foundation for public policy, a historian of ancient Iran and is the author of In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:11 - The case for hybrid work is clear, so why are so many employers ignoring it? 10:56 - Should we move back to working in the office? We take your calls and texts. 20:46 - We continue with your calls and texts. 30:49 - Iran weighs nuclear diplomacy with U.S., Foreign Ministry official says. 40:48 - Calgary among diminishing number of locations cold enough to host Winter Olympic Games. 54:34 - Jason Kenny says 'Alberta UCP caucus has 'no business' signing separation vote petition'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kemi Badenoch has frozen out Conservatives to both her political right and left. Which doesn't leave her much to work with when it comes to building support. So, is she stuck in the middle or stuck in a muddle having mocked Tory hot-heads of the right and wise heads of the (relative) left? Naomi Smith and Kenny Campbell ask whether the Tory former big guns of Prosper UK are on to something with their grown-up centre-right schtick, and whether they are too dull to get populist cut-through in the age of Farage and memes. Talking of meme-based populist cut-through, they also look to France, where the Foreign Ministry's @FrenchResponse social media team have been weaponising memes against MAGA, amongst others. French diplomatic hero/villain Talleyrand would have been impressed. And there's time for a fantasy King's Speech preview – not just what's coming up in a few weeks, but what Naomi and Kenny would really LOVE to come up. Brace yourselves. ***SPONSOR US AT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*** We have put together a cracking ⁠⁠⁠⁠BLUESKY STARTER PACK⁠⁠⁠⁠, if you would like to join us there. We'd be chuffed if you did. • Read fabulous words! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our bookshop here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quietriotpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Or visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.quietriotpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brought to you by Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. Quiet Riot is a Cooler Heads production. ***SPONSOR US AT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freestyle skiers Marielle Thompson and Mikaël Kingsbury are Team Canada's flag bearers for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. Economists expect latest Bank of Canada interest rate to hold at 2.25%. Minnesota Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall, as tensions over ICE operations remain high. Ecuador's Foreign Ministry says ICE agents tried to enter the country's consulate in Minneapolis. A lot of talk about Canadian Unity but some divided meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney as the country's Premiers gather in Ottawa. Police say it will be harder to solve cold cases after Ancestry.com bans law enforcement from using its services without a court order. 55th Annual JUNO Awards add new category: Latin Music Recording of the Year.

Right -wing members of the coalition think Israel should leave the World Health Organization (WHO). The Foreign Ministry announced that it opposes Israel's withdrawal from the organization, aligning itself with the Ministry of Health, the Israel Medical Association and senior figures in the health system who have protested the planned move. "There is a public interest in Israel remaining part of the organization, and it concerns public health and information sharing," said Nina Ben Ami, Deputy Director General for the UN and International Organizations at the Foreign Ministry, during a discussion held at the Knesset Health Committee. Also participating in the health committee discussion was Professor Haggai Levine, Chair of the Israeli Association of Public Health Physicians, who spoke to KAN's Mark Weiss. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last time we spoke about the climax of the battle of Changkufeng. A 7–10 August clash near Changkufeng and Hill 52 saw a brutal, multi-front Soviet push against Japanese positions in the Changkufeng–Hill 52 complex and adjacent areas. The Korea Army and Imperial forces rapidly reinforced with artillery, long-range 15 cm and other pieces, to relieve pressure. By 7–8 August, Soviet assault waves, supported by tanks and aircraft, intensified but Japanese defenses, including engineers, machine-gun fire, and concentrated artillery, prevented a decisive breakthrough at key positions like Noguchi Hill and the Changkufeng spine.  By 9–10 August, continued Japanese counterfire, improved artillery neutralization, and renewed defenses kept Hill 52 and Changkufeng in Japanese control, though at heavy cost. The frontline exhaustion and looming strategic concerns prompted calls for intensified replacements and potential diplomatic considerations. It seemed like the battle was coming to an end.   #184 The Lake Khasan Truce Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. The casualties were atrocious for both sides, yet they continued to mobilize more forces to the conflict area. While the Russians appeared uninterested in all-out war, they were not rushing to settle the crisis through diplomacy and, at the front, were launching "reckless" counterattacks at inconvenient locations, presumably to occupy positions useful for bargaining. The local Soviet military, having ceded the hills at the outset, must also have been anxious about its prestige. The Kwantung Army's potential threat to the flank undoubtedly made the Russians nervous. Although the leading echelon of the 104th Division did not reach Hunchun until the evening of 13 August, Japanese intelligence heard that the Red Army Headquarters staff at Khabarovsk had detected movements of Kwantung Army elements around 10 August and had been compelled to take countermeasures: they reinforced positions along the eastern and northern Manchurian frontiers, concentrated the air force, ordered move-up preparations by ground forces in the Blagoveshchensk district, and commandeered most of the motor vehicles in the Amur Province. By shifting its main strength to the eastern front, the Kwantung Army exerted, as intended, a silent pressure. The covert objective was to restrain and divert the Russians and to assist Japanese diplomacy, not to provoke war. Nevertheless, an American correspondent who visited the Changkufeng area in mid-August privately reported that the Kwantung Army was massing large numbers of troops near the border and expected further trouble.  Toward its weak neighbor in Korea the Kwantung Army rendered every support. Apart from its major demonstration in eastern Manchuria, the Kwantung Army promptly sent whatever reinforcements of artillery, engineers, and other units that Seoul had desired. Being also intimately involved in anti-Soviet military preparations, the Kwantung Army understandably wanted the latest and most authentic information on Russian Army theory and practice. The Changkufeng Incident furnished such a firsthand opportunity, and the professional observers sent from Hsinking were well received at the front. Military classmate ties contributed to the working relationships between the armies. As one division officer put it, the teams from the Kwantung Army came as "friends," not only to study the battlefield by their respective branches of service but also to assist the front-line forces; "the Kwantung Army was increasingly helpful to us in settling the incident." Foreign Minister Ugaki felt that the pressure of troop movements in Manchuria played a major part in the Russians' eventual decision to conclude a cease-fire. From Inada's viewpoint, it had been a "fine and useful demonstration against the Soviet Union." Pinned at Changkufeng, the Russians did not or could not choose to react elsewhere, too. Army General Staff officers believed that clear and consistent operational guidance furnished by Tokyo produced good results, although the fighting had been very hard for the front-line Japanese troops because of the insistence on exclusive defense, the curbs on interference by the Kwantung Army, and the prohibition on the use of aircraft. It had been close, however. Only by conscious efforts at restraint had the small war at Changkufeng been kept from spilling over into neighboring areas. Escalation of combat in early August had caused the Japanese government to try to break the diplomatic impasse while localizing the conflict. On 2 August Premier Konoe assured the Emperor that he intended to leave matters for diplomacy and to suspend military operations as soon as possible, an approach with which the government concurred. The Changkufeng dispute had been accorded priority, preceding overall settlements and the creation of joint commissions to redefine the borders. On the 3rd, after coordinating with the military, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Shigemitsu that the front-line situation had become "extremely critical" and that a quick suspension of fighting action should be proposed. Soviet and Japanese troops should be pulled back to the setup as of 30 July.  In the midst of the Changkufeng Incident, the USSR intensified harassing tactics against the last Japanese consulates located within the Soviet Union. Forty-eight hour ultimatums to quit the country were delivered to the consuls at Khabarovsk and Blagoveshchensk on 3 and 4 August, respectively. Although the Japanese government warned that it might retaliate, the Russians were unyielding. The foreign ambassadors, Mamoru Shigemitsu and Maxim Litvinov met on August 4th, whereupon Shigemitsu argued, the best procedure would be to suspend military operations on both sides and to restore the status quo. Litvinov in a long manner explained the stance of the USSR as Shigemitsu put it "the Soviet side had a disposition to cease fighting, provided that conditions were satisfactory."  The Russians were stalling at the very time the Red Army was bending every effort to retake Changkufeng. Coordination between the Army, Navy, and Foreign Ministers produced cease-fire conditions which were rushed to the Japanese ambassador on 6 August. Two alternate lines were proposed, to which both armies would pull back. After the creation of a buffer zone, discussions could begin concerning delineation of boundaries in the region of the incident. The Hunchun pact could be the basis for deliberations, demarcation to be effected by joint investigations on the spot in consultation with documents in the possession of Manchukuo and the USSR; the Japanese would serve only as observers. Shigemitsu conferred once more with Litvinov for three and a half hours on 7 August, but no progress was made. Litvinov insisted that a clash could be averted only if Japanese forces pulled However Litvinov's positive reaction to the idea of a demarcation commission was seen as a good sign.  On August the 10th, both sides seemed to have reached a similar conclusion that a cease-fire needed to rapidly be implemented. At 11pm that night Litvinov called the embassy, asking for Shigemitus to see him as fast as possible. Shigemitsu arrived around midnight whereupon Litvinov showed him a draft of a final accord: 1. Japanese and Soviet forces shall cease all military activities on 11 August at noon local time. Instructions to that effect are to be issued immediately by the governments of the USSR and Japan.  2. Japanese as well as Soviet troops shall remain on those lines which they occupied at midnight local time on 10 August.  3. For redemarcation of the portion of frontier in dispute, there shall be created a mixed commission of two representatives from the USSR and two representatives from the Japanese-Manchurian side, with an umpire selected by agreement of both parties from among citizens of a third state.  4. The commission for redemarcation shall work on the basis of agreements and maps bearing the signatures of plenipotentiary representatives of Russia and China. Shigemitsu agreed to the inclusion of a Japanese commissioner on the Manchukuoan delegation, but he could not assent to the addition of a neutral umpire. Moscow received the news of the truce with gratification mingled with surprise. Few realized that the USSR had taken the step of appeasing or at least saving face for the Japanese even after Shigemitsu had pleaded for and won a cease-fire. The world was told by the Russians only that specific overtures for cessation of hostilities had originated with the Soviet authorities. In general, it was not difficult to guess why the Russian government, distracted by the European political scene and apprehensive about a two-front war, agreed to a cease-fire at Changkufeng.  The slowness of communication across the many miles between Moscow and Tokyo did nothing to alleviate nervousness in the Japanese capital during the night of 10–11 August. Ugaki wrote in his diary that, "after ten days of tension, the struggle between the Japanese and Soviet armies on the USSR–Manchukuo border had reached the decisive brink". Complicating the situation was the fact that, late on 10 August, the president of Domei News Agency conveyed to Konoe a message from one of his Moscow correspondents. Purporting to sum up Shigemitsu's latest outlook, the report stated that success in the negotiations seemed unlikely. The contents of the message were transmitted to Ugaki and Itagaki. Consequently, Konoe and his associates spent a fearful and depressed night. Shigemitsu's own report, sent by telegram, arrived frustratingly slowly.  After definite information had been received from Shigemitsu, Harada happily called Kazami Akira, the prime minister's chief secretary, and Konoe himself. "Until the accord was implemented," Kazami had said, "we would have to be on the alert all day today." Konoe and Kazami seemed "a little relaxed anyhow." Inada had finally retired past midnight on 10–11 August, "agreement or no agreement. I must have been dozing from fatigue when the jangle of the phone got me up. It was a message saying that a truce had been concluded the preceding midnight. Just as I had been expecting, I said to myself, but I felt empty inside, as if it were an anticlimax." The call had to have been an unofficial communication, perhaps the latest Domei news, since the records showed that definitive word from the embassy in Moscow did not reach Tokyo until after 10:00. Attache Doi's report to the Army General Staff came at about 11:00. This was extremely late in terms of getting Japanese troops to cease operations at 13:00 Tokyo time (or noon on the spot); a tardy imperial order might undo the Moscow accord. Complicating this matter of split-second timing was the fact that the first official telegram from Shigemitsu referred to unilateral Japanese withdrawal by one kilometer. At the Japanese high command level, there was agitated discussion when initial word of these arrangements arrived. Inada speculated that on 10 August the Russians had staged persistent close-quarter assaults against Changkufeng and seized the southern edge eventually, although repulsed at all other points. Moscow may have agreed to a truce at that midnight because they expected that the crest of Changkufeng would be in their hands by then and that a fait accompli would have been achieved. Some officers argued that the Russian forces were suffering "quite badly and this caused the authorities' agreeability to a cease-fire." Most exasperating, however, was the provision stipulating a one-sided military withdrawal. Admittedly, such action had been under discussion by the Army General Staff itself, particularly after Terada's sobering appeal of 10 August. It was another matter to have a Japanese withdrawal dictated by the USSR while Russian troops did not have to budge. Initial puzzlement and chagrin began to yield to rationalization. The Japanese side seemed to have made a concession in the negotiations, but there must have been significance to the phrase which said, "the line occupied by Japanese forces has been taken into due consideration." Japanese troops had presumably advanced to the edge of the frontier, while Russian soldiers had not come even close. Thus, it must have been necessary to have the Japanese units withdraw first, to fix the boundaries, since it had been the Japanese who had done the greater advancing. One Japanese office remarked "A pull-back was a pull-back, no matter how you looked at things—and we were the ones who had to do it. But the atmosphere in the command had been far from optimistic on 10 August; so we decided that it was unnecessary to complain about this issue and we approved the agreement in general. Both the senior and junior staff levels seemed to be quite relieved." The 11th of August had been an awkward day to conduct liaison between the Foreign Ministry, the Army, and the Throne, since the Emperor was leaving Hayama to visit naval installations in the Yokosuka area and the navy air unit in Chiba from morning. By the time a conclusive report on the cease-fire could be conveyed to the monarch, he was aboard the destroyer Natsugumo at Kisarazu. Naval wireless facilities in Tokyo had to be used to transmit coded messages to Admiral Yonai, the Navy Minister, for delivery to the Emperor. This was done shortly before 14:45 According to Yonai, the Emperor "was very pleased and relieved when I reported to him… about the conclusion of the truce accord." The appropriate Imperial order was approved promptly. But not until 15:00, two hours after cease-fire time at Changkufeng, did word of Imperial sanction reach the high command.  Japanese soldiers in the lines recalled nothing special on 11 August. "We didn't hear about the truce till the last minute," said one, "and we had become so inured to enemy artillery we hardly noticed any 'last salute.' From Tokyo, on 11 August, it was reported that the Japanese side had suspended operations promptly at noon, as agreed, but that sporadic bursts of fire had continued to come from the Soviet side. Colonel Grebennik, when asked after the war whether the combat did end at noon, replied petulantly: "Yes, but not quite so. The fighting actually ceased at 12:05." According to him, the tardiness was the Japanese side's fault.  The Japanese press told readers that "the cease-fire bugle has sounded—the frontier is cheerful now, 14 days after the shooting began." All was quiet in the area of Changkufeng, where the sounds of firing ceased at noon "as if erased." The most intense period of stillness lasted only a few minutes and was followed by the excited chattering of soldiers, audible on both sides. Korea Army Headquarters spoke of the "lifting of dark clouds [and] return of the rays of peace." In Hongui, a Japanese combat officer told a Japanese correspondent: "Suddenly we noticed the insects making noise; the soldiers were delighted. Once the fighting stopped, Japanese national flags were hoisted here and there along our front. … After the Russians observed what we had done, they broke out red flags also, at various points in their trenches." Some Japanese soldiers were given cookies by Soviet medical corpsmen. At Hill 52, an infantryman remembered, the Japanese and the Russians were facing each other, 50 meters apart, that afternoon. "We just lay there and stared at each other for two hours, waiting grimly. But it was well past cease-fire now, and those same Russians finally started to wave at us. Later that day, when Soviet troops came to salvage their KO'd tanks, we 'chatted' in sign language." After the cease-fire, Ichimoto, whose battalion had seen the most difficult fighting, stuck his head above the trench and waved hello to some Soviet officers. "They waved back. It gave me an odd sensation, for during the furious struggle I had considered them to be barbarians. Now I was surprised to see that they were civilized after all!" A rifleman at Changkufeng remembered swapping watches with an unarmed Russian across the peak. The Japanese front-line troops stayed in their positions confronting the Russians and conducted preparations for further combat while cleaning up the battlefield. Soviet troops also remained deployed as of the time of the cease-fire and vigorously carried out their own construction. The day after the cease-fire went into effect, Suetaka escorted an American reporter to the front. At Changkufeng:  "carpenters were making wooden receptacles for the ashes of the Japanese dead. Funeral pyres still were smoldering. . . . From our vantage point the lieutenant general pointed out long lines of Soviet trucks coming up in clouds of dust [which] apparently were made deliberately in an effort to conceal the trucks' movements, [probably designed] to haul supplies from the front. Soviet boats were pushing across [Khasan] . . . and Soviet soldiers were towing smashed tanks back from no-man'sland. On the Japanese side there was a pronounced holiday spirit. Soldiers, emerging from dugouts, were drying white undershirts on near-by brush and bathing in the Tumen River. The soldiers were laughing heartily. A few were trying to ride a Korean donkey near Changkufeng's scarred slope. The general pointed out three Soviet tanks behind the Japanese advance lines east of Changkufeng. He said the Russians had hauled back seventy others [on the night of 11 August]. . . . The writer was shown a barbed wire fence immediately behind a wrecked village on the west slope of Changkufeng which the general said the Soviet troops built at the beginning of the fighting. Possiet Bay also was pointed out, clearly visible across the swamp." Soviet losses for what became known as the battle of Lake Khasan for the Russians and the Changkufeng incident for the Japanese, totaled 792 killed or missing and 3,279 wounded or sick, according to Soviet records. The Japanese claimed to have destroyed or immobilized 96 enemy tanks and 30 guns. Soviet armored losses were significant, with dozens of tanks knocked out or destroyed and hundreds of "tank troops" becoming casualties. Japanese casualties, as revealed by secret Army General Staff statistics, were 1,439 casualties, 526 killed or missing, 913 wounded; the Soviets claimed Japanese losses of 3,100, with 600 killed and 2,500 wounded. The Soviets concluded that these losses were due in part to poor communications infrastructure and roads, as well as the loss of unit coherence caused by weak organization, headquarters, commanders, and a lack of combat-support units. The faults in the Soviet army and leadership at Khasan were blamed on the incompetence of Blyukher. In addition to leading the troops into action at Khasan, Blyukher was also supposed to oversee the trans-Baikal Military District's and the Far Eastern fronts' move to combat readiness, using an administrative apparatus that delivered army group, army, and corps-level instructions to the 40th Rifle Division by accident. On 22 October, he was arrested by the NKVD and is thought to have been tortured to death. At 15:35 on 11 August, in the Hill 52 sector, high-ranking military delegates bearing a white flag emerged from the Soviet lines and proceeded to Akahage Hill, about 100 meters from the Japanese positions. Cho, as right sector chief, was notified. He sent three lieutenants to converse with the Russians; they learned that the Soviets wanted the Japanese to designate a time and place for a conference. This word was conveyed to Suetaka, who had already dispatched Lieutenant Kozuki to the heights east of Shachaofeng to contact the Russians. Around 4:20, the commander canceled Kozuki's mission and instructed Cho to reply that the delegation ought to convene near the peak of Changkufeng at 18:00 Cho set out promptly with several subordinates; they reached the Changkufeng crest a little before 6. The Russians then said they wanted to meet the Japanese near the Crestline southeast of Changkufeng, the excuse being that the peak was too far for them to go and that they could not arrive by the designated time. Cho took his team to the location requested by the Russians. There, the Japanese found 13 Soviet soldiers and a heavy machine gun on guard, but the Russian delegates had not arrived, although it was 6:18. The irked Japanese clocked a further delay of two minutes before the Russian truce chief, Gen. Grigory M. Shtern, rode up on horseback with a party of eight. Both delegations saluted, the chiefs and team members identified themselves, and all shook hands. The Soviet team was made up of Corps General 3rd rank Shtern, 38, chief of staff, Far East area army; Brigade Commissar Semenovsky political major general, 37 or 38; Colonel Fedotev, 42; and Major Wabilev, about 30. Interpreting for the Russians was Alexei Kim. In Colonel Cho's opinion, "It was always necessary to take the initiative in dealing with the Soviets. So, even in such matters as shaking hands or conversing, he always did things first." During the exchange of greetings, Cho teased Shtern about his bandaged forehead. "A Japanese artillery shell got you, didn't it?" he asked. But Cho began formal discussions on a more dignified note: "Cho: It is very much to be regretted that the Japanese and Soviet armies had to get involved in combat around Changkufeng. Nevertheless, I laud the consummation of the Mos­cow accord on the part of both governments. And, I must say, your forces were quite brave and patriotic. Shtern: I agree with you. The Japanese Army, too, was courageous and strong." Negotiations would go on at the local level and diplomatic level for many days. In Tokyo, on the morning of 13 August, Ugaki had gone to the Meiji shrine to "report" on the cease-fire and to express his gratitude. At 10:00, when received in Imperial audience, he discussed the Changkufeng Incident. "I humbly regret to have troubled Your Majesty so unduly in connection with an unimportant affair on the Soviet-Manchurian frontier" at a time when the monarch was confronted by grave national problems. A long and winding road lay ahead before the incident as a whole was settled, but a good start had been made and "we are going to be even more careful in handling matters, although the Soviet regime  consists of devious, vicious scoundrels." Recognition of the Japanese Army's performance was accorded by the highest authorities in the homeland. As soon as the fighting ceased, Kan'in transmitted a message of appreciation. The day after the cease-fire, the command in North Korea issued a generous communique: "We pay homage to the Japanese for defending themselves against 100 planes, 200 tanks, and 60 pieces of heavy artillery. Our admiration for the bravery of both armies is of the highest." At 14:00 on the 15th, Kan'in was received in audience and reported on the settlement of the crisis. Said the Emperor: "We are gratified by the fact that, during this incident at Changkufeng, Our officers and men achieved their mission fully and manifested prudence and forbearance while confronting difficult circumstances with small forces. Our profound condolences to the casualties. Convey this message to the officers and men." A wire was dispatched promptly to Nakamura. With Imperial use of the wording "Changkufeng Incident," the nomenclature for the affair was fixed in Japan. When the cabinet met on 16 August, the decision was reached officially. After the Changkufeng affair, Japanese officers claimed that the Soviets had dispatched tactical experts "to ascertain why their elite Far Eastern forces had not been able to achieve satisfactory results. They realize the urgency of this investigation in preparation for any great war." Specifically, the AGS heard that on the day of the cease-fire, Blyukher had sent an investigative team of commissars under Romanovsky to the scene. Japanese experts on the USSR speculated that the experience at Changkufeng ought indeed to have impressed the Red Army: "Our forces did seize the hill and hold it. After comparing the strengths involved ... the Russians may well have had to modify their estimates." According to one Japanese commentator, improvements in political leadership were judged imperative by the USSR, gainsaying claims that the Soviet Army had been strengthened through the purge of alleged Japanese tools. Soviet authorities would conclude "As a test of doctrine, the fighting had confirmed the correctness of the basic principles embodied in the 1936 Field Service Regulations." The Soviet infantry had paid dearly for this, as well as for the deficiencies in tactical training. Defense Commissar Voroshilov admitted, "We were not sufficiently quick in our tactics, and particularly in joint operations in dealing the enemy a concentrated blow." In the view of historian Mackintosh: "The Soviet success at Lake Khasan was bought at the cost of heavy casualties and exposed serious defects in the mobilization machinery and the training of troops. There can be little doubt that these factors checked to some extent the Soviet Government's overoptimistic estimate of its own military strength and cast doubt on the effectiveness of its policy of expansion in all fields of military organization". Writing a year and a half after Changkufeng, an Mainichi reporter observed that the greatest harvest from the incident was tangible Japanese experience in determining the fighting strength of the Russians. Purchased with blood, this knowledge could provide valuable evidence for future combat operations. It was a question whether Changkufeng really possessed such strategic significance as was claimed for it, but the Soviet policy of bluff could be interpreted as substantiating the weakness of the defenses of Vladivostok. "The Russians used all kinds of new weapons at Changkufeng and tipped their whole hand. But although mechanization of the Red Army had attained high levels with respect to quantity, their weaknesses in technique and quality were laid bare." Imaoka observed that since the Changkufeng Incident marked the first time that the Japanese and Soviet armies engaged each other in combat involving large strategic elements, divisional and above, Russian fighting strength was studied with keen interest. The Japanese did not rate the capacity of the officers or Soviet quality, in general, as especially high. Still, the Russians did possess quantitative abundance, and Japanese losses had been heavy because the enemy had fired masses of ammunition against fixed targets. Suetaka seemed to have comprehended the scope of tangible Soviet strength in equipment and materiel, as shown by his comment: "I felt deeply that if the gap in manpower went beyond limits, it would be inevitable for our casualties to increase tremendously; this might even cause us danger in specific local areas." Few Japanese officers saw anything new in Soviet tactical methods, although considerations of mass were ever-present. Not only intelligence experts but the whole army worked on ways of coping with Soviet forces that would have the numerical advantage by 3:1. Most awesome was the "fantastic abundance" of hostile materiel, although the Russians could not deploy to surround the Japanese because of the geography. An AGS expert on the USSR summed it up: "We learned that Soviet strength was up to expectations, whereas Japanese arms and equipment had to be improved and reinforced." Worded in a multiplicity of ways, the Japanese conclusion was that patient imperial forces had won a great victory by defending the contested border with flesh vs. steel and by limiting the Changkufeng Incident, till the end, against enemy hordes supported exclusively by planes and tanks. Japanese infantrymen admit that the combat soldiers did not savor their disadvantages. "All our materiel was inferior in quality and particularly in quantity. We had the impression that whereas we relied on muscle power, the enemy used engines. This rendered our fighting particularly hard, but we had full confidence in our spiritual strength [i.e., superiority]."  Nevertheless, the Japanese mode of tactical operation, asserted Iwasaki, the Korea Army senior staff officer, was "the worst possible: fighting with hands tied." This meant that the Russians could fight "to their hearts' content," committing tanks and planes, and striking from all directions. A front-line infantry commander commented: "One's troops ought to be provided meaningful reasons for fighting and for dying happily. It is cruel to ask officers and men to meet masses of steel and to shed their blood without visible cause, and apparently because of inadequate combat preparations." The cease-fire agreement was concluded "at just the right time," General Morimoto admitted. A secret report prepared by AGS analysts sheds light on the larger question of what the army thought it had learned about itself and the Soviet enemy: "In studying Changkufeng, one ought to bear a number of cautions in mind: (1) The incident broke out when we were concentrating on the holy war against China; severe limitations on combat operations were imposed by the necessity to adhere to a policy of nonenlargement. (2) Apparently, the enemy also adopted a policy of localization while continuously attempting to recapture the high ground in the Changkufeng area. (3) Our forces employed units which were on Phase-1 alert from beginning to end; in terms of quality, the personnel were excellent—mainly active-duty types, from key men down. But our numbers were far inferior, and our organization and equipment were not of the best. In addition, we committed no planes or tanks, whereas the enemy used plenty. (4) The 19th Division was thorough, rigorous, and realistic in its combat training prior to the engagement. (5) Battlefield terrain seriously limited the enemy's attacks, especially tank action. But while the Tumen restricted assaults against our flanks and rear, it hampered our own services of supply, notably the provision of position construction materials." The Japanese learned few or erroneous lessons from the Changkufeng affair; the Kwantung Army, for example, was convinced that everything had been handled badly in 1938 by the Korea Army and the high command. When a dispute arose in 1939 at Nomonhan on another border lying between Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo, the staff in Hsinking fostered escalating measures. The USSR, however, learned in 1937 and 1938 that the Japanese Army seemed to respect only force.  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Changkufeng incident or battle of Lake Khasan clash saw a fierce Soviet push against Japanese positions around Changkufeng and Hill 52. The cease-fire ended the incident, but not the conflict. Despite the brutal lessons learned by both sides, a much larger conflict would explode the next year that would alter both nations throughout WW2.   

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  US forces boarded and took control of an oil tanker in the Caribbean on Friday. The Olina is the fifth ship seized by the US in recent weeks. “In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident,” a statement from US Southern Command explained. SOUTHCOM claimed the raid was in defense of “our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.” An oil industry source told The Guardian that the Olina left Venezuela last week after President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. The tanker later turned around and was sailing back to Venezuela when it was seized by US forces. President Donald Trump claimed that the Olina was seized in coordination with the interim government in Venezuela, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. “Today, the United States of America, in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela, seized an oil tanker which departed Venezuela without our approval,” the President wrote on Truth Social. “This tanker is now on its way back to Venezuela, and the oil will be sold through the GREAT Energy Deal, which we have created for such sales.” Last week, the US seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the northern Atlantic. Russia's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, calling for the US to treat any Russian nationals on the crew “humanely” and for them to be allowed to return home as quickly as possible. A Russian warship and submarine were reportedly in the vicinity of the Marinera during the seizure, but there was no confrontation between US and Russian forces. First Published at Antiwar.com

From the BBC World Service: One of Europe's busiest airports has canceled more than 700 flights today as a disruption caused by snow and ice enters a sixth day. The problem was made worse because of a shortage of anti-freeze for de-icing planes at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Dutch airline KLM is the main one affected. Then, China's Foreign Ministry said President Donald Trump's demands for Venezuela's oil were "typical bullying" from the U.S.

From the BBC World Service: One of Europe's busiest airports has canceled more than 700 flights today as a disruption caused by snow and ice enters a sixth day. The problem was made worse because of a shortage of anti-freeze for de-icing planes at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Dutch airline KLM is the main one affected. Then, China's Foreign Ministry calls President Donald Trump's demands for Venezuelan oil "typical bullying" from the U.S.

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  North Korea claimed it conducted a successful test of a hypersonic missile.  “A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People’s Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4,” a statement in North Korean state media said. “The drill was conducted as part of the operational evaluation of the sustainability, effectiveness, and operation of the DPRK’s war deterrent while evaluating the readiness of the hypersonic weapon system, verifying and confirming its capability for fulfilling mission and developing the missile soldiers’ firing capability.” Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the missile test. “To be honest, our such activity is clearly aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a highly developed basis.” He continued, “The reason why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.” The test was conducted shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. While Kim did not link the test to Maduro's capture, the North Korean leader has often argued that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal prevents the US from attempting an Iraq or Libya-style regime change.   The North Korean Foreign Ministry denounced the US attack on Venezuela. “The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time.” The statement added, “The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the U.S. hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela as the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty and as a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose.” Sunday's missile launch follows North Korea testing a long-range strategic cruise missile and a new anti-aircraft system late last year. 

China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the United States blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday following US military strikes against Venezuela.外交部发言人于周六就美国对委内瑞拉发动军事袭击一事表示，中方对美国公然对主权国家动武并针对该国总统的行径深感震惊，予以强烈谴责。"Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. China firmly opposes it," the spokesperson said.发言人指出：“美国的此类霸权行径严重违反国际法和委内瑞拉国家主权，威胁拉丁美洲及加勒比地区的和平与安全。中方对此坚决反对。”The spokesperson called on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security.发言人呼吁美方遵守国际法以及《联合国宪章》的宗旨和原则，停止侵犯他国主权和安全。According to reports, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US had "successfully" carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela, and said its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, had been taken and "flown out of the country".据报道，美国总统唐纳德・特朗普在 “真实社交” 平台发文称，美国已 “成功” 对委内瑞拉实施大规模袭击，并表示委内瑞拉领导人尼古拉斯・马杜罗总统及其夫人已被带走。hegemonic acts – 霸权行径international law – 国际法sovereignty – 国家主权

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] is panicking, Trump is now reversing their entire system, The D’s have no choice but to fold and go along with Trump’s no tax on tips etc, they resisted but the people complained, this will not work out well for them. Trump is now lowering the fuel prices by unleashing Venezuela’s oil, this will be used to go against the [DS]. Trump is in the process of dismantling the [DS], Venezuela has been released from the [DS] grasp. Maduro was arrested and brought to the US to stand trial. Maduro will most likely assist with the overthrow of the US government in 2020. The flow of money, training of terrorist happened in Venezuela, it is all coming to an end, soon the other countries will fall and the people will take them back. The world is being returned to the people. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Kathy Hochul Caves On ‘No Tax On Tips’ Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill made a straightforward promise: more money in workers' pockets. The plan eliminated the federal tax on tips and overtime pay for linemen and factory workers, and created a new deduction for seniors relying on Social Security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it “the most pro-worker, pro-family legislation in a generation.”   several blue-state governors were refusing to reciprocate by eliminating state taxes on tips, including Govs. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused them of “deliberately blocking their own residents” from the bill's benefits at the state level. Bessent made clear that states that refused to comply with the law should expect consequences. “Treasury stands ready to work with any state committed to delivering on that promise, but we will not stand idly by as this obstructionism drags down the national recovery,” he said. “This is about fairness. This is about opportunity. And this is about putting America first, starting with the families and workers who make our economy the envy of the world.” Kathy Hochul has now caved. On New Year's Day, she announced that New York will finally move to exempt service workers' tips from state income taxes on up to $25,000 in tipped income.   “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I'm kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.” The change comes only after months of outrage from restaurant owners and service workers who accused Albany of putting politics ahead of paychecks. Service industry workers noticed and called it a slap in the face to people barely scraping by in such an expensive state.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007496574889537687?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2007500910277325260?s=20 https://twitter.com/TKL_Adam/status/2007468568619696559?s=20  damaged last night. On top of this, President Trump says the US will be “very much involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry going forward and China is “going to get oil.” In 2010, Venezuela was producing over 3 million barrels of oil per day, now down to ~900,000. If the US truly takes control of Venezuela’s oil industry, MUCH more supply is coming to market. Oil and gas prices would head much lower. Geopolitical https://twitter.com/KatieMiller/status/2007541679293944266?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1274910217508196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1274910217508196352%7Ctwgr%5E7e79690e7ff94a98319d1a5f7cef15f68e12ceb9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjoe-bidens-old-tweet-claiming-trump-admires-thugs%2F https://twitter.com/willchamberlain/status/2007652410077086175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007652410077086175%7Ctwgr%5Ee26360c03ca670b2e4da2b86849c02fab10ca741%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjust-kamala-harris-gets-lit-up-x-after%2F Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces on January 3, 1990, after seeking refuge for 10 days in the Vatican’s embassy (Papal Nunciature) in Panama City.  This event marked the end of Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama that began on December 20, 1989, under President George H.W. Bush, aimed at deposing Noriega and bringing him to face U.S. charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.  To pressure Noriega into surrendering, U.S. psychological operations teams blasted loud rock music—including tracks like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Van Halen’s “Panama”—at the embassy nonstop, contributing to his decision to give up.   He was immediately flown to Miami, where he stood trial, was convicted in 1992, and initially sentenced to 40 years in prison (later reduced).  After serving time in the U.S., Noriega was extradited to France in 2010 for money laundering charges, and finally to Panama in 2011 to face additional sentences for murder, corruption, and human rights abuses during his rule.   He died in Panama in 2017 while under house arrest for medical reasons.   The invasion itself involved around 25,000 U.S. troops, resulting in 23 American deaths, hundreds wounded, and estimates of 200–4,000 Panamanian civilian casualties, drawing international criticism despite achieving its primary objective. https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/2007796748631314839?s=20 https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/2007549887098040495?s=20  https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007518675641983427?s=20   advance. Trump Admin's Top Secret Maduro Military Operation Plans Reportedly Leaked To Legacy Media Outlets Despite an unidentified party leaking plans of the Trump administration's top secret military operation targeting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela to both The New York Times and the Washington Post, neither publication decided to expose it, Semafor reported Saturday night. Two anonymous sources, described as familiar with the communication between the administration and media outlets, told Semafor that both outlets declined to break the news on the operation before it happened out of concern for U.S. troops involved. The military incursion, carried out early Saturday, resulted in the capture and ouster of socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, whom a grand jury later indicted on four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. The identity of the leaker or leakers was not made public as of Sunday morning. Source: dailycaller.com https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007811723013603611?s=20 Russia, China Demand That US Immediately Release Maduro From Custody Within mere hours after President Trump announced the Saturday capture by US forces of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after a brief shock bombing campaign and special forces operation in Caracas, Russia has demanded from Washington his immediate release. “We firmly call on the U.S. leadership to reconsider this position and release the lawfully elected president of a sovereign country and his wife,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, and described that the crisis should be resolved through diplomatic means. “Russia will continue to support the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the country’s national interests and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said, while also calling for restraint and cautioning against further escalation. China has joined Moscow’s calls for the immediate release of Maduro from US custody: China has called on the United States to immediately releaaljazeera.com/…/china-urges-us-to-stop-toppling-venezuelan-government-release-madurose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington carried out massive military strikes on the capital, Caracas, as well as other regions, and abducted the leader. Beijing on Sunday insisted the safety of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be a priority, and called on the US to “stop toppling the government of Venezuela,” calling the attack a “clear violation of international law“. https://twitter.com/alaynatreene/status/2007491168389525809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007491168389525809%7Ctwgr%5E1cec862879fed0a0919d0a99238a33d07975d1bb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fgeopolitical%2Frussia-china-demand-us-immediately-release-venezuelas-maduro Source: zerohedge.com China has embedded operational control into critical mineral extraction that feeds weapons manufacturing  Iran has established drone production facilities within strike range of the continental United States. Russia has deployed military advisers and integrated air defense systems in the Caribbean. Venezuela represents the only location where all three adversaries operate simultaneously https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007644800779169936?s=20   legitimate, outstanding US drug charges from 2020, the real reason for the military operations early this morning is that neutralizing Maduro’s Venezuela had become a strategic imperative for the USA. Under Maduro, Venezuela had become the Latin American crossroads for all of the USA’s principal enemies. Maduro was nurturing relationships with Russia, Hezbollah and Iran. Worst of all, Venezuela was eagerly becoming a part of Red China’s Belt & Road initiative. As America’s enemies were lining up Venezuela as their base of operations in the Western Hemisphere to cause mischief and destruction for the USA, Maduro was at the same time making Venezuela a crossroads, safe haven and enabler for all manner of narcoterrorist operations, ranging from Colombia’s FARC to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. On top of all that, Venezuela had become a key player in the illegal alien invasion of the USA, shipping its very worst to the USA in a deliberate and comprehensive destabilizing operation that might have worked had Donald Trump not won in 2024. Next in importance: oil. The global and regional ambitions of both China and Russia are in large part dependent on the politics of petroleum, and the USA just deprived both of the cudgel afforded by friendly Venezuelan oil. Trump opponents say “It’s about oil” as if that was a bad thing. Yeah, it’s about oil. Finally, all of this was in keeping with the most essential and fundamental foreign policy mandate of the USA almost since the nation’s inception: the Monroe Doctrine. Operations like what Maduro was running simply cannot be allowed in the Western Hemisphere. Trump was right for falling back on this most basic of doctrines that protects the USA’s sovereignty. So was Maduro seized because of some five year-old drug charges? Yes. Legally–yes. However, like so many strategic issues in the world today, an action needed to be backed by the fine points of law, and it was. But the reality is that the Maduro takedown was a Monroe Doctrine-driven necessity that has greatly enhanced the power and national security of the USA. Congratulations, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and the rest of the Trump national security team: you boldly took the steps necessary to defend the USA. Well done. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2007597322549469370?s=20  Uh… but what about America 1st!!!!” Dominating our hemisphere is America 1st.  READ: Maduro Indictment Unsealed  https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2007468832567222274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007468832567222274%7Ctwgr%5Ea380e4654af6dbcd0ced13d78085deb2a2a57e8d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fread-maduro-indictment-unsealed%2F Read the indictment here. The grand jury indicted Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores and four others on four counts: Narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. “Nicolas Maduro Moros, the defendant, now sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking,” the indictment read. “That drug trafficking has enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite, including Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace Diosado Cabello Rondon, the defendant, and former Minister of the Interior and Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chachin, the defendant,” the charging document read. The White House absolutely savaged Maduro on Saturday. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2007459071985676697?s=20 https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007412199132934453?s=20   with it. Go America! https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/2007404924393697601?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007510867307626848?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007503643453559225?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007737447631945888?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007759220851327278?s=20 War/Peace https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007814479892111690?s=20  Years after he left office, a reflective Barack Obama admitted that he and his administration made a “mistake” in not forcefully supporting an Iranian civilian uprising in 2009 that could have ousted that country's ruing mullahs. Faced with a fresh protest movement 16-plus years later led by street vendors, President Donald Trump has taken the opposite tact in a robust embrace of everyday Iranians that caught the attention of Tehran. If Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump wrote in a 3 a.m. post Friday on his TruthSocial platform. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”  The president was not more specific about his intentions, but Iranian dissidents and non-official Trump advisers cheered the statement and said it set the stage for tougher sanctions or other actions by the administration. Interesting Timing – Zelenskyy Planning to Remove Head of the Security Service of Ukraine This is very interesting timing considering the recent denial by Zelenskyy that Ukraine had anything to do with the attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence. According to Politico, Zelenskyy is removing Vasyl Malyuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the state's top counterintelligence agency. Malyuk previously worked with British intelligence on operation “Spiderweb” where Ukrainian drones hit Russia's strategic bombers on several protected airfields (USA not informed). Source: theconservativetreehouse.com [DS] Agenda  President Trump's Plan FBI Thwarts ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Terror Plot In North Carolina The FBI said it foiled an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina. Suspect Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested on Dec. 31 and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson said at a Jan. 2 press conference. Sturdivant appeared in court on Jan. 2. A U.S. citizen, Sturdivant had allegedly planned the attack for about a year, according to Ferguson. A hand-written document titled “The New Year's Eve Attack 2026” was found in Sturdivant's bedroom trash can and included a section labeled, “martyrdom Op,” court papers claim.  Sturdivant read ISIS material online, visited the terrorist group's websites, and made TikTok videos, Ferguson said. Source: zerohedge.com Former CBS Reporter Catherine Herridge Reveals How Executives Delayed Her Reporting On Hunter Biden Laptop Former CBS investigative reporter Catherine Herridge said Thursday CBS News executives postponed airing her reports on the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop. https://twitter.com/C__Herridge/status/2006795554471186519?s=20   always do the story when it’s ready to go. You should not be dictated by the political cycle.” At that time, CBS News was under different management, and did not respond to our questions seeking comment.   Source: dailycaller.com  https://twitter.com/bread_n_caviar/status/2007473725331960305?s=20 how much Jeb Bush is connected to drug trafficking. Here's my Substack article on that subject: https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2007377888858062869?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007528129988862028?s=20 is undoing the damage the CIA has been used to do over the last 78 years around the world. The Deep State network is being dismantled. Trump did the same thing with Iran. Who enabled and paid Iran to make nukes? Obama via the Iran Deal. Neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities was Trump cleaning up another Deep State mess created by past administrations. Trump knows where all the Deep State assets and proxies are, and he is uprooting them. It's actually happening. Trump is obliterating the Deep State! Maduro a Cartel/Deep State puppet for a while  Wants out  Negotiates exit with Trump  U.S. military extracts him  Trump rugs the Deep State’s regime change op with his own regime change op https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2007682086271103487?s=20   Maduro played a large role in the destabilization efforts, sending drugs and murderous gangs into our country. Is it considered one crime syndicate?   https://twitter.com/TheQNewsPatriot/status/2007662811296731504?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007516103950414317?s=20   nations and regions that past US administrations have destabilized and destroyed. If there is no instability, the Deep State cannot operate. Therefore, Trump is going to neutralize those causing the instability, ie, the cartels. Trump is essentially undoing the decades of damage caused by the Deep State, and creating a new world the way it should be.  https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007547290035302659?s=20   MIL in their cities? Now do you see why they have been panicking about the Insurrection Act? The Dems are Deep State puppets just like Maduro. They fear that what just happened to Maduro, is going to happen to them. THEY FEAR THE RECKONING! (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Consider the president's attack on Leftism, indirectly he is addressing the drug problem. Particularly when you consider that 2.1 Democrats left the party during the Biden years. I see that as a Trump intervention that ultimately added 2.5 million new Republicans during the same period.To be a Democrats, you almost have to be on a psychotic drug, a hallucinogen. Because along with the most insane policy positions, Democrats want their supporters to believe blatant lies.https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/russia-evacuates-diplomats-families-from-venezuela-as-us-seizes-oil-tankers-3211754?s=1Russia's Foreign Ministry has begun evacuating the families of diplomats from Venezuela, a European intelligence official told AP on Monday, as the United States pursues its third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean and President Donald Trump convenes senior national security officials at his Mar-a-Lago resort.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism (2024) is the first detailed and critical study of the intellectual and political connections that existed between some German scholars specializing on India, non-academic ‘India experts,' Indian anti-colonialists and various organs of the Nazi state published by the Oxford University Press. It explores the ways in which different knowledge discourses pertaining to India, particularly its colonization and the anti-colonial movement, were used by these individuals for a number of German organisations to fulfil the demands of Nazi politics. This monograph also inspects the links between the knowledge providers and embodiments of National Socialist politics like the Nazi party and its affiliates. In this study, Baijayanti Roy aims to ascertain whether such political engagements were actually more rewarding for the scholars than their 'practical services' to the state in the form of strategic deployment of their knowledge of India. The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism offers case studies of four organisations which incorporated such complicated entanglements of knowledge and power: the India Institute of the Deutsche Akademie in Munich, the Special Department India of the German Foreign Ministry, the Seminar for Oriental languages and its successor institutions at the University of Berlin, and the Indian Legion of the German Army. The knowledge networks underlying these organisations were dominated by German Indologists, but non-specialist knowledge providers, both German and Indian were also included. The Nazi regime expected all scholars and intellectuals to engage in Kulturpolitik (cultural politics), which entailed propagating the glories of the 'Reich' and its supreme leader as well as collecting 'politically valuable' knowledge within and outside Germany. For the four organizations concerned, this meant conducting pro-German and from around 1938, anti-British propaganda aimed at Indians. Loosely following an analogy provided by Herbert Mehrtens in the context of natural sciences, this monograph posits that there were ‘patterns of collaboration' between the knowledge providers and the representatives of the Nazi regime. At the core of these 'patterns' was, to borrow Mitchell Ash's theory, an exchange of resources and capital in which scholars and experts offered their knowledge of Indian languages, history and culture to authorities like the Foreign Ministry, the SS and the Army. In return, they received increased professional opportunities, financial remuneration or in some cases, increased power and influence. Deep Acharya is a PhD student and a George L. Mosse fellow of Modern European Cultural History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on the history of fatherhood in 20th century Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism (2024) is the first detailed and critical study of the intellectual and political connections that existed between some German scholars specializing on India, non-academic ‘India experts,' Indian anti-colonialists and various organs of the Nazi state published by the Oxford University Press. It explores the ways in which different knowledge discourses pertaining to India, particularly its colonization and the anti-colonial movement, were used by these individuals for a number of German organisations to fulfil the demands of Nazi politics. This monograph also inspects the links between the knowledge providers and embodiments of National Socialist politics like the Nazi party and its affiliates. In this study, Baijayanti Roy aims to ascertain whether such political engagements were actually more rewarding for the scholars than their 'practical services' to the state in the form of strategic deployment of their knowledge of India. The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism offers case studies of four organisations which incorporated such complicated entanglements of knowledge and power: the India Institute of the Deutsche Akademie in Munich, the Special Department India of the German Foreign Ministry, the Seminar for Oriental languages and its successor institutions at the University of Berlin, and the Indian Legion of the German Army. The knowledge networks underlying these organisations were dominated by German Indologists, but non-specialist knowledge providers, both German and Indian were also included. The Nazi regime expected all scholars and intellectuals to engage in Kulturpolitik (cultural politics), which entailed propagating the glories of the 'Reich' and its supreme leader as well as collecting 'politically valuable' knowledge within and outside Germany. For the four organizations concerned, this meant conducting pro-German and from around 1938, anti-British propaganda aimed at Indians. Loosely following an analogy provided by Herbert Mehrtens in the context of natural sciences, this monograph posits that there were ‘patterns of collaboration' between the knowledge providers and the representatives of the Nazi regime. At the core of these 'patterns' was, to borrow Mitchell Ash's theory, an exchange of resources and capital in which scholars and experts offered their knowledge of Indian languages, history and culture to authorities like the Foreign Ministry, the SS and the Army. In return, they received increased professional opportunities, financial remuneration or in some cases, increased power and influence. Deep Acharya is a PhD student and a George L. Mosse fellow of Modern European Cultural History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on the history of fatherhood in 20th century Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism (2024) is the first detailed and critical study of the intellectual and political connections that existed between some German scholars specializing on India, non-academic ‘India experts,' Indian anti-colonialists and various organs of the Nazi state published by the Oxford University Press. It explores the ways in which different knowledge discourses pertaining to India, particularly its colonization and the anti-colonial movement, were used by these individuals for a number of German organisations to fulfil the demands of Nazi politics. This monograph also inspects the links between the knowledge providers and embodiments of National Socialist politics like the Nazi party and its affiliates. In this study, Baijayanti Roy aims to ascertain whether such political engagements were actually more rewarding for the scholars than their 'practical services' to the state in the form of strategic deployment of their knowledge of India. The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism offers case studies of four organisations which incorporated such complicated entanglements of knowledge and power: the India Institute of the Deutsche Akademie in Munich, the Special Department India of the German Foreign Ministry, the Seminar for Oriental languages and its successor institutions at the University of Berlin, and the Indian Legion of the German Army. The knowledge networks underlying these organisations were dominated by German Indologists, but non-specialist knowledge providers, both German and Indian were also included. The Nazi regime expected all scholars and intellectuals to engage in Kulturpolitik (cultural politics), which entailed propagating the glories of the 'Reich' and its supreme leader as well as collecting 'politically valuable' knowledge within and outside Germany. For the four organizations concerned, this meant conducting pro-German and from around 1938, anti-British propaganda aimed at Indians. Loosely following an analogy provided by Herbert Mehrtens in the context of natural sciences, this monograph posits that there were ‘patterns of collaboration' between the knowledge providers and the representatives of the Nazi regime. At the core of these 'patterns' was, to borrow Mitchell Ash's theory, an exchange of resources and capital in which scholars and experts offered their knowledge of Indian languages, history and culture to authorities like the Foreign Ministry, the SS and the Army. In return, they received increased professional opportunities, financial remuneration or in some cases, increased power and influence. Deep Acharya is a PhD student and a George L. Mosse fellow of Modern European Cultural History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on the history of fatherhood in 20th century Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies

The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism (2024) is the first detailed and critical study of the intellectual and political connections that existed between some German scholars specializing on India, non-academic ‘India experts,' Indian anti-colonialists and various organs of the Nazi state published by the Oxford University Press. It explores the ways in which different knowledge discourses pertaining to India, particularly its colonization and the anti-colonial movement, were used by these individuals for a number of German organisations to fulfil the demands of Nazi politics. This monograph also inspects the links between the knowledge providers and embodiments of National Socialist politics like the Nazi party and its affiliates. In this study, Baijayanti Roy aims to ascertain whether such political engagements were actually more rewarding for the scholars than their 'practical services' to the state in the form of strategic deployment of their knowledge of India. The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism offers case studies of four organisations which incorporated such complicated entanglements of knowledge and power: the India Institute of the Deutsche Akademie in Munich, the Special Department India of the German Foreign Ministry, the Seminar for Oriental languages and its successor institutions at the University of Berlin, and the Indian Legion of the German Army. The knowledge networks underlying these organisations were dominated by German Indologists, but non-specialist knowledge providers, both German and Indian were also included. The Nazi regime expected all scholars and intellectuals to engage in Kulturpolitik (cultural politics), which entailed propagating the glories of the 'Reich' and its supreme leader as well as collecting 'politically valuable' knowledge within and outside Germany. For the four organizations concerned, this meant conducting pro-German and from around 1938, anti-British propaganda aimed at Indians. Loosely following an analogy provided by Herbert Mehrtens in the context of natural sciences, this monograph posits that there were ‘patterns of collaboration' between the knowledge providers and the representatives of the Nazi regime. At the core of these 'patterns' was, to borrow Mitchell Ash's theory, an exchange of resources and capital in which scholars and experts offered their knowledge of Indian languages, history and culture to authorities like the Foreign Ministry, the SS and the Army. In return, they received increased professional opportunities, financial remuneration or in some cases, increased power and influence. Deep Acharya is a PhD student and a George L. Mosse fellow of Modern European Cultural History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on the history of fatherhood in 20th century Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism (2024) is the first detailed and critical study of the intellectual and political connections that existed between some German scholars specializing on India, non-academic ‘India experts,' Indian anti-colonialists and various organs of the Nazi state published by the Oxford University Press. It explores the ways in which different knowledge discourses pertaining to India, particularly its colonization and the anti-colonial movement, were used by these individuals for a number of German organisations to fulfil the demands of Nazi politics. This monograph also inspects the links between the knowledge providers and embodiments of National Socialist politics like the Nazi party and its affiliates. In this study, Baijayanti Roy aims to ascertain whether such political engagements were actually more rewarding for the scholars than their 'practical services' to the state in the form of strategic deployment of their knowledge of India. The Nazi Study of India and Indian Anti-Colonialism offers case studies of four organisations which incorporated such complicated entanglements of knowledge and power: the India Institute of the Deutsche Akademie in Munich, the Special Department India of the German Foreign Ministry, the Seminar for Oriental languages and its successor institutions at the University of Berlin, and the Indian Legion of the German Army. The knowledge networks underlying these organisations were dominated by German Indologists, but non-specialist knowledge providers, both German and Indian were also included. The Nazi regime expected all scholars and intellectuals to engage in Kulturpolitik (cultural politics), which entailed propagating the glories of the 'Reich' and its supreme leader as well as collecting 'politically valuable' knowledge within and outside Germany. For the four organizations concerned, this meant conducting pro-German and from around 1938, anti-British propaganda aimed at Indians. Loosely following an analogy provided by Herbert Mehrtens in the context of natural sciences, this monograph posits that there were ‘patterns of collaboration' between the knowledge providers and the representatives of the Nazi regime. At the core of these 'patterns' was, to borrow Mitchell Ash's theory, an exchange of resources and capital in which scholars and experts offered their knowledge of Indian languages, history and culture to authorities like the Foreign Ministry, the SS and the Army. In return, they received increased professional opportunities, financial remuneration or in some cases, increased power and influence. Deep Acharya is a PhD student and a George L. Mosse fellow of Modern European Cultural History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on the history of fatherhood in 20th century Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 87-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Monday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share price hit a new record high on the back of reports the company plans to raise prices for its advanced chips. China carrying out live-fire drills around Taiwan China is carrying out live-fire military drills around Taiwan today and has said they will be taking place until 6 o'clock this evening in five designated maritime and airspace zones. The exercises are code-named "Justice Mission 2025." According to coordinates provided by China's Eastern Theater Command, the drills were to be staged (舉辦) in the sea and in the airspaces north of Keelung, east of Taitung, south of Pingtung, southeast of Penghu, and northwest of Taoyuan. The Ministry of National Defense says all five of the drill zones are within Taiwan's territorial waters. According to the ministry, the island's armed forces have established an ad hoc emergency operations center and are respond to developments. Cause of Taichung power outage under investigation Tai-Power says the cause of a power outage that affected over 9,000 households in Taichung's Beitun District is under investigation. The outage began at around 8:55 last night and power was restored (恢復) by 10:30. According to the Tai-Power, the outage not only affected households, but also large numbers of businesses and several fire stations located in the district. Tai-Power says repair teams arrived at the scene and found that the fault was located in the power distribution room. The state generator says personnel carried out repairs, before carrying out two power transfer operations to isolate the fault area. Repair teams also reduced the power outage in order to minimize the number of households affected. Israel PM to Meet Trump in Florida Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump in Florida later today for talks that are expected to (預計，預期) focus on the Gaza peace plan, Iran and Lebanon. Blake Sifton reports from Tel Aviv China Condemns Panama Monument Demolition China has condemned the demolition (拆除) of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama. Panama's president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging the monument would be rebuilt. Overnight, videos circulated on social media showing large excavators tearing down the monument. The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused the local authorities of having “brazenly (明目張膽) and forcibly demolished” the monument and “seriously damaged the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people.” It's the latest development as the Trump administration in the US pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing. Turkey Armenia to Simplify Visa Procedures Turkey and Armenia have agreed to simplify visa procedures to normalize ties, according to Turkey's Foreign Ministry. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said electronic visas will be available for both countries' passport holders starting Jan. 1-st. Relations have been strained by historic grievances (不平，委屈) and Turkey's alliance with Azerbaijan. The countries have no formal diplomatic ties, and their border has been closed since the 1990s. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8jk3vs -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It's Monday, December 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes written by yours truly and heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. Filling in for Adam McManus, I'm Ean Leppin. (Contact@eanvoiceit.com) Trump Orders Airstrike Against ISIS Militants in Nigeria President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike against ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day!  Persecution.org reports that Christians in Nigeria have faced ongoing attacks with minimal support from the international community until recently.  In the first 7 months of this year alone, more than 7000 Christians have been killed, an average of 35 per day.  President Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the ISIS militants have been, ‘viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.'  Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem and Nazareth FOX News reports that Christmas celebrations returned this year to both Bethlehem and Nazareth.  In Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, festivities were rooted in a growing Christian presence.  In Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, celebrations took place after more than two years of disruption.  Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reports that over 184,000 Christians live in Israel as of Christmas Eve of 2024 a growth of 0.7%.  This makes Israel one of the few countries in the Middle East where the Christian community continues to grow. This is good news!  However, Heather Johnston, founder and CEO of the US Israel Education Association said, ‘At Christmas, the contrast between Nazareth and Bethlehem tells a larger story.  Christians are flourishing in Nazareth under Israeli rule, while in Bethlehem, under Palestinian Authority, the Christian population has been shrinking for years.' In fact there were reports for multiple incidents targeting Christians in the week leading up to Christmas for those living under Palestinian Authority areas, like Bethlehem.  Israel's Foreign Ministry responded by warning of, ‘growing hostility toward Christians'. Continue to pray for believers in Israel. James 1:2-4 says Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Massive Financial Waste in the US News of massive financial waste has surfaced from The Office of Audit Services.  The watchdog report was released last week.  It showed that over $207.5 million was issued in managed care payments on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 to July 2022.  American Family News reports that a new provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill will require states to audit their Medicaid beneficiary lists to help reduce these payments in the future.  In fact by 2027 it will be required that Medicaid agencies practice quarterly audits of their beneficiary lists. Barna Releases List of Top Trends in 2025 Barna Research released their list of the top 10 trends, or most read, reports of 2025.  Here are the top 3.   3)  Women and Men Experience Church Attendance Differently. A report released in October.  The conclusion of the report shows that of 2025, 43 percent of men and 36 percent of women report attending church regularly, based on reported weekly attendance.  In 5 of the last 6 years, men have outpaced women in this key measure of religious engagement and the 2025 gap is the largest measured.   2) Young Adults Are Leading a Resurgence in Church Attendance. A report released in September.  This report shows that Millennial and Gen Z Christians are attending church more frequently than before and more often than older generations.  The typical Gen Z churchgoer now attends 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times, representing the highest attendance levels among young Christians since Barna began tracking them. 1) Belief in Jesus Is Rising - Especially Among Younger Adults A report released back in April.  The study reveals that 66 percent of all US adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today.  That marks a 12 percentage point increase since 2021. We celebrate a growing number of people following the Lord with Psalm 100:1-3:  "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." YouVersion Bible App Reaches One Billion Downloads And finally, CBN.com reports that it has been a big year for the YouVersion Bible App in 2025.  The app hit a huge milestone of having one billion downloads!  YouVersion has seen a 27 percent increase in daily use in Sub-Saharan Africa and a 33 percent increase in daily Bible engagement in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.  It also reported a 14 percent increase in North America.  So what was the most read verse of 2025?  It was Isaiah 41:10 that says, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. The year marks the fourth time in six years that Isaiah 41:10 has claimed the top spot. CEO Bobby Gruenewald says, ‘In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, people are drawn to God's promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us.  That message never gets old because the need for it is universal and timeless.'   Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin (Contact@eanvoiceit.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a video message that he has approved the largest energy deal in Israel’s history. The natural gas deal with Egypt is worth NIS 112 billion ($34.7 billion), of which NIS 58 billion ($18 billion) will go into public coffers. Magid gives insight into the slow rollout of this massive deal. Magid reported yesterday that the US has secured commitments from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany to have their leaders join US President Donald Trump on the Board of Peace that will oversee the postwar management of Gaza. We review the significance of the names that are currently not on the list and the ambiguous mandate of the International Security Force -- including an apparent walk-back from forcing Hamas to disarm. On Sunday, hundreds of Palestinians attended protests across the West Bank against the Palestinian Authority’s new prisoner payment system. Does this public anger indicate that Ramallah is moving ahead with the Western-pushed welfare reform, or is it all smoke and mirrors, as Israel's Foreign Ministry alleges? In the annual Hanukkah party on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that Congress “is becoming antisemitic,” as the “Jewish lobby” is no longer the strongest in Washington. Though he wasn't given a White House latke this year, Magid agrees to set the scene and delves into statements made at the celebration.Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Historic moment’: Netanyahu announces $34.7 billion natural gas deal with Egypt Six countries have committed to joining Trump’s Board of Peace, say officials ISF will not fight Hamas, say US officials, who still seek to deploy force next month Palestinians protest PA prisoner payment reform, in apparent sign of implementation At White House Hanukkah party, Trump laments ‘Jewish lobby’ no longer most powerful Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A view of the platform of the Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea is pictured from the Israeli northern coastal beach of Nasholim, on August 29, 2022. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Possibly the longest shownotes in history thanks to Gemini 3 Pro. Bless the swamp from which this AI slop emerged and enjoy the episode. Or just read this, I suppose. The title sucks terribly. Do better, Gemmo! Show Notes with Time‑Shifted Timestamps(All timestamps below have been shifted forward by 25 seconds to allow for theme music, as requested.)00:00 – Welcome, Cricket and the Pink Ball at the Gabba00:00:25 – Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) opens episode 137 of The Two Jacks and notes they're recording just after midday on 4 December.00:00:36 – Quick chat about the looming day–night Test at the Gabba and the prospect it could finish very quickly.00:00:44 – Hong Kong Jack explains why dusk session timings in Hong Kong line up perfectly with “Asahi o'clock”.00:01:07 – The Jacks wonder which pink ball is in use – Duke or Kookaburra – and what that means for Mitchell Starc and the batters.00:01:30 – They flag that full cricket chat will come later in the episode.Tai Po Fire, Mourning and Accountability in Hong Kong00:01:53 – Jack the Insider pivots from sport to tragedy: an update on the Tai Po (Typo) fire in Hong Kong, now with 159 dead, from ages 1 to 97.00:02:07 – Hong Kong Jack describes the government‑ordered three‑day citywide mourning period, mass flower layings, official ceremonies and a three‑minute silence.00:02:35 – Discussion of schools cancelling Christmas parties and staff functions in solidarity; a sense the tragedy is being taken seriously across society.00:02:55 – Hong Kong Jack outlines the judge‑led inquiry: not only into the Tai Po fire's causes, but also systemic issues in building management and renovation contracts on large estates, with hints of corruption.00:03:30 – Evidence emerging that the green construction cloth lacked proper fire retardant and that flammable materials were used to seal lift wells, helping the fire move inside.00:04:23 – Bodies, including one man, found in stairwells and lobbies; Hong Kong Jack cautions against jumping to conclusions before investigators reconstruct the fire.00:04:53 – Arrest tally climbs to around 12, mostly consultants/contractors involved in management and renovations rather than labourers.00:05:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes large numbers of displaced residents in hotels and temporary accommodation and outlines generous government payments to families of foreign domestic workers killed (about HKD 800,000 per family).00:06:05 – A harrowing vignette: a Javanese truck driver receives a final phone call from his wife, trapped with her employers' baby, seeking forgiveness because there is no escape.00:06:35 – The Jacks reflect on the horror of the story and promise to revisit the inquiry as more facts emerge.Australia's Under‑16 Social Media Restrictions & VPNs00:06:50 – Jack the Insider turns to domestic Australian politics: the under‑16 social media restrictions about to kick in.00:07:05 – He notes overwhelming parental support (around 80%) but says the government is now “hosing down expectations” and reframing the policy as a long‑term “cultural change” effort.00:07:30 – Platforms not yet on the restricted list – Roblox and Discord – are flagged as problematic globally for child sexual exploitation, illustrating rollout gaps.00:08:05 – They discuss technical enforcement: existing account age data, length of time on a platform and the likelihood that some adults will be wrongly flagged but quickly reinstated.00:08:35 – Jack the Insider explains the government's theory of cultural change: a generation that grows up never having had TikTok or Instagram under 16 “won't know what they're missing”.00:09:00 – Hong Kong Jack compares Australia to mainland China's efforts to control the internet and points out China still can't stamp out VPN usage, predicting similar Australian difficulties.00:09:25 – Jack the Insider clarifies that VPNs are not illegal in Australia; about 27% of connected Australians already use one, probably now closer to a third.00:09:55 – He strongly recommends everyone use a VPN for privacy and location masking, and warns that good VPNs now explicitly advise not to choose Australia as an exit node because of the new regime.00:11:00 – They note that Malaysia and several European countries (Denmark, Spain, France and EU initiatives) are eyeing similar under‑age social media restrictions, with large fines (Australia's up to about AUD 50 million or 1% of turnover).00:12:20 – Meta is already scanning and booting under‑age users, but teenagers are sharing tips on evading age checks. Jack the Insider describes various age‑verification methods: selfie‑based AI checks, account age, and Roblox's move to ban under‑15s.00:13:45 – Anecdote about Macau security doing ID checks: Hong Kong Jack's son is checked for being over 21, while Jack's own age makes ID unnecessary—an amusing generational moment.00:14:55 – The Jacks agree the policy is unlikely to stop kids having TikTok accounts but might “nudge” behaviour toward less screen time.00:16:00 – Jack the Insider stresses the real dangers of the internet—particularly organised child sexual exploitation rings like the notorious “764” network—and questions whether blunt prohibition can solve these issues.Bruce Lehrmann, Appeals and Costs00:18:22 – They move to the Bruce Lehrmann defamation saga: his appeal has failed and he's likely millions of dollars in debt.00:18:45 – Discussion of the prospect of a High Court appeal, the low likelihood of leave being granted, and the sense that further appeals are “good money after bad”.00:19:22 – Jack the Insider notes outstanding criminal charges against Lehrmann in Toowoomba relating to an alleged statutory rape, and outlines the allegation about removing a condom after earlier consensual sex.00:20:07 – They discuss the probable difficulty of prosecuting that case, and then pivot to the practical question: who is funding Lehrmann's ongoing legal adventures?00:20:35 – Hong Kong Jack explains why some lawyers or firms may take on such cases for profile, despite poor prospects of payment, and they canvass talk of crowdfunding efforts.00:21:07 – The Jacks agree Lehrmann should have left the public stage after the criminal trial was discontinued; now, bankruptcy in 2026 looks likely.00:21:58 – Limited sympathy for Channel 10 or Lisa Wilkinson; more sympathy reserved for Brittany Higgins and Fiona Brown, who are seen as exceptions in an otherwise “pretty ordinary” cast.NACC, Commissioner Brereton and Conflicts of Interest00:23:24 – The Jacks turn to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) and Commissioner Paul Brereton's side work for Defence.00:24:03 – Hong Kong Jack recounts Senate Estimates footage where officials first claimed Brereton's Defence consulting work occurred outside NACC hours, then later admitted more than ten instances (possibly close to 20) during NACC office time.00:25:25 – Discussion of conflict‑of‑interest: the Commissioner maintaining a paid Defence relationship while heading the body that may need to investigate Defence.00:25:57 – The Jacks question the tenability of his position, especially given the NACC's opaque nature, its minimal public reporting obligations and a salary around AUD 800k–900k plus expenses.The Struggling Australian and Global Economy, Productivity and ANZ00:26:20 – Jack the Insider outlines Australia's sluggish economy: inflation remains sticky, GDP growth is flat, and government spending is driving much of the growth.00:27:00 – They discuss a small, tentative rise in productivity (around 0.2% for the quarter) and the Treasurer's caution that productivity figures are volatile.00:27:57 – Hong Kong Jack stresses that historically, economies escape malaise through productivity‑driven growth; there is no easy alternative, in Australia or globally.00:28:23 – Broader global picture: the US isn't in outright recession but is crawling; Europe is sluggish; Poland is a rare bright spot but rapid growth brings its own risks.ANZ and Post‑Royal Commission Failures00:28:54 – Focus shifts to ANZ's continuing governance and compliance failures after the Banking Royal Commission.00:29:30 – Jack the Insider shares a personal story about dealing with ANZ's deceased estates department following his mother and stepfather's deaths and the difficulty in releasing funds to pay for funerals.00:30:20 – Justice Jonathan Beach's scathing remarks: ANZ is still mishandling deceased estates, charging fees and interest to dead customers, despite years of warnings.00:31:34 – They recall Royal Commission revelations about “fees for no service” and charging the dead, plus ANZ's recent exclusion from certain Commonwealth bond business due to rorting.00:32:12 – The Jacks see this as a clear culture problem: five years on, the basics still aren't fixed, suggesting inadequate investment in compliance and little genuine reform.UK Justice Backlog and Curtailing Jury Trials00:33:05 – The conversation moves to the UK's proposal to restrict jury trials for offences likely to attract less than a two‑year sentence.00:33:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes the English historical attachment to jury trials dating back to Magna Carta, and that defendants have long had the right to opt for a jury if imprisonment is possible.00:34:38 – Justice Minister David Lammy, once a fierce critic of similar Tory proposals, is now advancing the idea himself, creating a political shambles.00:35:02 – They weigh up pros and cons of judge‑only trials for complex financial crimes, where juries may struggle to follow long, technical evidence.00:36:10 – Jack the Insider points out that even judges can find such cases difficult, but there is at least some expertise advantage.00:36:22 – They revisit the Southport riots and harsh sentences for people inciting attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, arguing that common‑sense community judgment via juries may be better in such politically charged cases.00:37:26 – Ultimately, they doubt the reforms will meaningfully reduce the UK's huge court backlog and see it as another noisy but ineffective response.Ethics in Politics, Misleading Voters and the “Ethics Czar” Problem00:39:21 – Discussion moves to the UK budget, alleged “black holes” and whether the Chancellor misled voters about a AUD 22 billion‑equivalent gap.00:40:14 – They examine calls for the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to rule on ministerial truthfulness, and Hong Kong Jack's discomfort with handing moral judgment to “anointed officials”.00:40:51 – The Jacks argue accountability should rest with Parliament and ultimately voters, not appointed ethics czars, whether in the Johnson era or now.00:41:36 – In Australia, Tony Burke's handling of “ISIS brides” returning to Australia is cited: he asked officials to leave a meeting so he could talk politically with constituents. The Jacks see this as legitimate hard‑headed politics in a very complex area rather than an ethical scandal.00:43:03 – Jack the Insider defends the principle that Australian citizenship must mean something, especially for children of ISIS‑linked families; stripping citizenship or abandoning citizens overseas can be a dangerous precedent.00:44:08 – Anecdotes segue into a broader reflection: politicians have always misled voters to some extent. They quote stories about Huey Long and Graham Richardson's defence of political lying.00:45:24 – They swap observations about “tells” when leaders like Malcolm Turnbull or Julia Gillard were lying; Scott Morrison, they say, had no visible tell at all.00:46:22 – Cabinet solidarity is framed as institutionally sanctioned lying: ministers must publicly back decisions they privately opposed, and yet the system requires that to function.Ukraine War, Peace Efforts and Putin's Rhetoric00:46:42 – The Jacks discuss reports of draft peace deals between Ukraine, the US and Russia that Moscow rejected over wording and guarantees.00:47:17 – Jack the Insider describes a gaunt Foreign Ministry spokesman, not Sergey Lavrov, delivering Russia's objections, sparking rumours about Lavrov's status.00:47:56 – Putin goes on TV to reassure Russians they're winning, threatens destruction of Europe if conflict escalates and claims territorial gains Russia doesn't actually hold.00:48:17 – Hong Kong Jack argues European fantasies of imposing a “strategic defeat” on Russia are unrealistic; retaking all occupied regions and Crimea would exact unbearable costs in lives and money.00:49:33 – The Jacks infer that Putin will eventually need to “sell” a negotiated deal as a victory to his own public; his current bluster is partly domestic theatre.00:49:50 – They note some odd, Trump‑like US talk of structuring peace as a “business deal” with economic incentives for Russia, which they find an odd fit for a brutal territorial war.Trump's Polling Collapse, Economic Credibility and 202600:50:13 – Attention turns to Donald Trump's polling in his second term: his net approval is negative across all major polls, in some cases approaching minus 20.00:51:04 – Jack the Insider highlights Trump's recent promises of USD 2,000 cheques to every American plus no income tax—claims they see as fantastical and electorally risky when voters inevitably ask “where's my money?”.00:51:39 – They compare Trump's denial of inflation and cost‑of‑living pressures to Biden's earlier mistakes in minimising pain; telling people “everything's cheaper now” when their lived experience contradicts that is politically fatal.00:52:34 – Hong Kong Jack notes history shows that insisting things are fine when voters know they aren't only accelerates your polling collapse.00:53:02 – They briefly touch on a special election in Tennessee: a safe Trump district where the Republican margin has shrunk. They caution against over‑reading the result but note softening support.00:54:14 – CNN's Harry Enten is quoted: this has been Trump's worst ten‑day polling run of the second term, with net approval among independents plunging to about minus 43 and a negative 34 on inflation.00:55:15 – They speculate about what this means for the 2026 midterms: Trump won't be on the ballot but will loom large. A future Republican president, they note, might still face governing without a Congressional majority.Disability, Elite Colleges and the Accommodation Arms Race00:56:07 – The Jacks discuss Derek Thompson's forthcoming Atlantic piece on surging disability registrations at elite US colleges: more than 20% at Brown and Harvard, 34% at Amherst and 38% at Stanford.00:57:10 – Hong Kong Jack explains how disability status yields exam and assessment advantages: extra time, flexible deadlines, better housing, etc., and why wealthy students are more likely to secure diagnoses.00:57:48 – They cite intake breakdowns at one college: small numbers for visual/hearing disabilities, larger numbers for autism, neurological conditions and especially psychological or emotional disabilities—suggesting a big shift in what counts as disabling.00:58:45 – Jack the Insider counters that many of these conditions were under‑diagnosed or ignored in the 1970s and 80s; growing recognition doesn't automatically mean fraud.00:59:40 – He brings in chronic conditions like ME/CFS: historically treated as malingering or “all in the head”, now increasingly accepted as serious and often disabling.01:00:02 – Hong Kong Jack quotes a Stanford professor asking, “At what point can we say no? 50%? 60%?”—underlining institutional concern that the system can't cope if a majority claim accommodations.01:01:05 – They wrestle with the employer's problem: how to interpret grades achieved with significant accommodations, and whether workplaces must also provide similar allowances.01:02:21 – Jack the Insider's answer is essentially yes: good employers should accommodate genuine disability, and it's on applicants to be upfront. He stresses diversity of ability and that many high‑achieving disabled people are valuable hires.01:03:40 – Hong Kong Jack remains more sceptical, shaped by long legal experience of people gaming systems, but agrees lawyers shouldn't be the priestly class defining morality.Cricket: India–South Africa, NZ–West Indies, BBL and the Gabba01:04:25 – They pivot back to sport: a successful South African tour of India, including a series win in Tests and a 1–1 one‑day series with big hundreds from Virat Kohli, Gaikwad and Aiden Markram.01:05:31 – Quick update on New Zealand's Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, with New Zealand rebuilding in their second innings through Ravindra and Latham.Women's Cricket and Phoebe Litchfield01:06:19 – Jack the Insider raves about the Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat game and singles out Phoebe Litchfield as the best women's batter in the world: technically sound, not a slogger, scoring “runs for fun” and hailing from Orange.Gabba Day–Night Test: Australia v England01:06:50 – With Usman Khawaja out, they discuss the unchanged 12 and whether Bo Webster plays, potentially pushing Travis Head up to open.01:07:39 – For England, Mark Wood hasn't recovered; they bring in Will Jacks, a batting all‑rounder and part‑time spinner, to bolster the order but lose their fastest bowler.01:08:11 – If you win the toss? Bat first, they say—if the conditions allow—and look to control the game with the bat for four hours or more.01:08:44 – They caution that with recent heavy Queensland rain, the pitch could be juicy whether you bat first or second; the key is getting cricket on Saturday.01:08:48 – Hong Kong Jack rates this as the best England attack to tour Australia in a long time, especially with Wood and Archer firing in Perth, although Archer's pace dropped markedly in the second innings.01:09:36 – They dissect England's first‑Test collapse: at one stage it was an “unlosable” match according to Ponting and the stats, but reckless strokes from set batters (Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook) handed it back to Australia.01:09:55 – Mitchell Starc's extraordinary home day–night record—averaging around 17 with the pink ball—looms as a big factor.Franchise Cricket, Empty Stadiums and Saving the Red‑Ball Game01:12:11 – Jack the Insider describes watching the ILT20 in the UAE: near‑empty stands, disengaged fielders and an overall “soulless” spectacle aimed solely at TV viewers in South Asia and the Gulf.01:13:49 – Despite his love of cricket, he worries this is a glimpse of the future if the longer formats aren't protected and nurtured. He pleads, in effect, for saving Test and other red‑ball cricket from being cannibalised by anonymous franchise leagues.Class and Cricket: Private Schools, Clubs and Stuart Broad01:14:11 – The Jacks explore the class divide in English cricket: all but one of England's Perth XI finished school at private schools; the sole exception is captain Ben Stokes, who grew up partly in New Zealand.01:15:05 – In contrast, Australia's pathway still runs largely through club cricket, though private schools with professional coaching (like Cranbrook) give some players a head start.01:15:47 – Jack the Insider notes Sam Conscientious (Sam Constance / Cummins reference is implied) spending two years at Cranbrook, reflecting how elite schools build academies with ex‑first‑class coaches that state systems can't match.01:16:20 – They agree state‑school kids like the Waugh twins still come through club cricket, but in England, some top private schools effectively operate as de facto county academies.01:17:31 – Anecdotes about Stuart Broad: a likeable “nepo baby” of former England player Chris Broad, who was toughened up by a formative season at Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne sub‑district cricket. Local players loved him.01:18:20 – Hong Kong Jack recommends Broad's appearance on The Front Bar as essential viewing for understanding his character and the cultural contrasts between English and Australian cricket.01:18:40 – More class culture: Chris Cowdrey, briefly England captain, shows up in full whites and blazer to toss with Viv Richards in surf shorts and thongs. When Cowdrey starts reading out England's XI, Viv cuts him off: “Mate, I don't care who you play, it's not going to make any difference.”F1, Oscar Piastri's Bad Luck and AFLW Glory01:21:11 – Brief detour to Formula 1: Oscar Piastri's season with McLaren seems dogged by terrible luck and questionable team decisions that have cost him a near‑certain championship.01:21:57 – Jack the Insider reflects on how F1 drivers like Piastri have effectively been in vehicles since toddlerhood, climbing the ladder from go‑karts to supercars.01:22:50 – They express hope he can clinch the title in the final race, but wryly note that F1 rarely grants fairytale endings.AFLW01:22:23 – AFLW: North Melbourne complete an undefeated season to win the premiership, comfortably beating Brisbane in the grand final.01:23:07 – Hong Kong Jack praises it as the best AFLW season yet, with marked improvement in depth and skill across the competition. North remain the benchmark everyone else must chase.Wrap‑Up, Tom Stoppard Anecdote and Season Timing01:23:49 – The Jacks look ahead to watching the Gabba Test, beers on ice for Jack the Insider and the late Hong Kong dusk session for Hong Kong Jack.01:24:01 – They note the death of playwright Tom Stoppard at 88 and share a favourite story: Spielberg offers him the Jaws screenplay; Stoppard declines because he's writing a play—“actually for BBC Radio”.01:25:11 – Final reflections on how Stoppard would have improved Jaws, then a note that the podcast will soon reach its final episodes for the year, with plans to feature listener feedback before a short summer break.01:25:56 – Jack the Insider signs off, thanking listeners and Hong Kong Jack, and promises they'll be back next week.

Israel's Foreign Ministry says an Israeli citizen was killed and another injured in the deadly shooting on Bondi Beach; Newly released footage of the six hostages who were murdered in August 2024 has been published. We share some words of strength to help move us forward. Hasod Story: IDN10 for 10% off - https://www.hasodstore.com/shopsmall/p/israeldailynewssupportIsrael Daily News website: https://israeldailynews.orgYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@israeldailynews?si=UFQjC_iuL13V7tyQIsrael Daily News Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shannafuldSupport our Wartime News Coverage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/independent-journalist-covering-israels-warLinks to all things IDN:⁠ https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews⁠

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

Chinese authorities have said the country will continue to be a major driver for global growth and other countries are welcome to share opportunities due to China's fast development and its vast market.

Given Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, which inflicted atrocities on the Chinese people, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has nonetheless attempted to exploit the Taiwan question to provoke trouble and threaten China militarily, which is "utterly intolerable", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.中国外交部长王毅表示，鉴于日本在1895年至1945年间对台湾的殖民统治给中国人民带来了深重灾难，日本首相高市早苗却仍企图利用台湾问题挑衅生事、在军事上威胁中国，这种行径“完全不可容忍”。In his talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing on Monday, Wang referred to Takaichi's recent provocative remarks in parliament about Taiwan, saying that the one-China principle is an important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and there is no room for ambiguity.王毅在周一与来访的德国外长约翰·瓦德普福举行会谈时指出，高市早苗近日在日本国会发表涉台挑衅言论。王毅强调，一个中国原则是中德关系的重要政治基础，不容含糊。He noted that unlike Germany, Japan has yet to conduct a thorough reflection in the past eight decades since the end of World War II on its history of aggression.王毅指出，与德国不同，日本在二战结束八十年来一直未能对其侵略历史进行彻底反省。Wadephul said Germany remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and this position will not change.瓦德普福表示，德国始终坚定奉行一个中国政策，这一立场不会改变。During the talks, Wang said that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, and he elaborated on a seven-point fact list that clearly supports this position and records Tokyo's past official commitments regarding Taiwan.会谈中，王毅重申台湾自古以来就是中国的一部分，并列举了七项事实，既明确支持这一立场，也记录了日方过去在台湾问题上的正式承诺。The Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 stated that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan, should be restored to China. Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation in 1945 stipulated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration will be carried out.1943年发布的《开罗宣言》明确规定，日本从中国窃取的所有领土（包括台湾）必须归还中国。1945年《波茨坦公告》第八条明确要求执行《开罗宣言》的所有条款。In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally, the Japanese emperor committed to faithfully fulfilling the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation, and the then Chinese government announced resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan on Oct 25, 1945.1945年日本无条件投降，日本天皇承诺忠实履行《波茨坦公告》的规定。同年10月25日，中国政府宣布恢复对台湾行使主权。In 1971, the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 to restore all rights to the People's Republic of China, and the UN's official legal opinion confirms that Taiwan is a province of China, Wang said.王毅指出，1971年联合国大会第二十六届会议通过2758号决议，恢复中华人民共和国在联合国的一切合法权利；联合国的正式法律意见也确认台湾是中国的一个省。According to the China-Japan Joint Statement of 1972, the Chinese government "reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the PRC", and "the government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand". The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan confirmed that the principles set forth in the 1972 Joint Statement should be strictly observed.根据1972年《中日联合声明》，中国政府“重申台湾是中华人民共和国领土不可分割的一部分”，日本政府则“充分理解并尊重这一立场”。1978年《中日和平友好条约》进一步确认应严格遵守联合声明所确立的原则。As a defeated nation in World War II, Japan "should have undertaken profound reflection and acted with greater caution", as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), Wang said.王毅表示，作为二战战败国，日本理应深刻反省并更加谨慎。今年正值中国人民抗日战争胜利（1931—1945）80周年，日本更应有所警醒。He also said that attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" mean splitting China's territory, and supporting "Taiwan independence" amounts to interference in China's internal affairs, which violates China's Constitution as well as international law.他强调，谋求“台独”就是分裂中国领土，支持“台独”就是干涉中国内政，这既违反中国宪法，也违反国际法。The Chinese people, together with all peace-loving people around the world, bear the responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and they also have the obligation to prevent Japan from remilitarization and attempting to revive militaristic ambitions, he added.王毅补充说，中国人民以及全世界热爱和平的人们都有责任维护《联合国宪章》的宗旨和原则，也有义务防止日本重新军事化、阻止其重燃军国主义野心。"By linking the Taiwan question to Japan's 'survival-threatening situation', Takaichi and the conservative, right-wing forces behind her have stoked security anxiety among part of the Japanese public and politicians," said Wang Peng, a research fellow at Huazhong University of Science and Technology's Institute of State Governance.华中科技大学国家治理研究院研究员王鹏指出，高市早苗及其身后的保守右翼势力将台湾问题与所谓“生存危机情况”相挂钩，煽动了日本部分公众和政界的安全焦虑。This helps to pave the way for further lifting postwar legislative restrictions on Japan's military buildup and escalate tension in the Taiwan Strait, he said.他表示，这将为进一步突破日本战后军事限制铺路，并加剧台海局势紧张。Jeffrey Sachs, a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in the United States, said in a lecture at the University of South Africa last month that "China went for a thousand years without once invading Japan, a near neighbor, even though China was much more powerful.美国哥伦比亚大学可持续发展中心主任、教授杰弗里·萨克斯上月在南非大学的演讲中指出：“中国在长达一千年的历史中，从未侵略过近邻日本，即便中国一直更为强大。”"The Japanese actually sadly invaded China many times, but never the other way around," he added.他补充说：“遗憾的是，侵略中国的一直是日本，而从未反之。”Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that during World War II, Japanese troops slaughtered more than 300,000 people in Nanjing in eastern China, killed over 100,000 in Manila in the Philippines within one month, and carried out the Singapore Massacre.中国外交部发言人郭家坤周二表示，二战期间，日本军队在中国南京屠杀30多万人，在菲律宾马尼拉一个月内杀害10万多人，并制造了新加坡大屠杀。Any moves to condone provocations by Japan's right-wing forces "will only lead to the resurgence of militarism" and "put Asian people at risk again", Guo said.郭家坤指出，任何纵容日本右翼挑衅的举动“只会导致军国主义死灰复燃”，并“让亚洲人民再次面临危险”。Cairo Declaration《开罗宣言》Potsdam Proclamation《波茨坦公告》remilitarization/ˌriːmɪlɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃən/重新军事化right-wing forces右翼势力resurgence of militarism军国主义复活

Japan owes an explanation to China and the international community as to why it is unwilling to clearly state the commitments it has made in the past and its legal obligations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.日本外交部发言人林剑周四表示，日本应向中国和国际社会解释，为何其不愿明确阐述过去作出的承诺及其法律义务。Lin made the remark at a daily news conference in Beijing, when asked about the comments Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made on Wednesday in Japan's Upper House about the China-Japan Joint Statement of 1972.林剑在北京举行的例行记者会上作出上述表态。当时他被问及日本首相高市早苗周三在日本参议院就《1972年中日联合声明》发表的言论。As a landmark political document underpinning China-Japan ties, the statement's Article 3 states that "the Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China", and "the Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand".作为奠定中日关系基础的标志性政治文件，该声明第三条明确指出：“中华人民共和国政府重申，台湾是中华人民共和国领土不可分割的一部分”，并称“日本国政府充分理解并尊重这一立场”。While some Japanese media outlets claimed that Takaichi specifically cited this stand on Wednesday, Lin clarified on Thursday and said the reports have been proved to be inaccurate as Beijing has verified what exactly Takaichi said.尽管一些日本媒体声称高市早苗在周三具体引用了这一立场，但林剑周四澄清称，经中方核实，这些报道已被证明不准确。Takaichi merely said that "the Japanese government's basic position regarding Taiwan remains as stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, and there has been no change to this position", and nothing more, Lin said.林剑表示，高市早苗只说了“日本政府在台湾问题上的基本立场与《1972年中日联合声明》中所述一致，并未发生变化”，除此之外并无更多表述。Based on her remarks on Wednesday, Lin asked whether Takaichi "can accurately and fully articulate that position".基于高市早苗的表态，林剑质问其“是否能够准确、完整地阐述该立场”。"Why is the Japanese side unwilling to clearly state the commitments it has made and its legal obligations? What is the logic and motive driving this attitude? The Japanese side owes China and the international community an explanation," he said.他说：“为什么日方不愿明确说明其所作承诺及法律义务？其背后的逻辑和动机是什么？日方必须向中国和国际社会作出解释。”Liu Jiangyong, a professor of Japanese studies at Tsinghua University, said the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship — signed by the two countries in 1978 and approved by their highest legislative bodies — is a legal document that recognizes the principles and contents of the 1972 statement, and the treaty makes it clear that the statement underpins peaceful, friendly bilateral relations.清华大学日本研究专家刘江永教授表示，《中日和平友好条约》于1978年由两国签署并经各自最高立法机构批准，是一份确认1972年声明原则与内容的法律文件，该条约明确规定该声明是两国和平友好关系的基础。"As Article 98 of Japan's Constitution says 'the treaties concluded by Japan and established laws of nations shall be faithfully observed', it is the obligation of the Japanese government and Japanese lawmakers to faithfully abide by the contents of the 1972 statement and 1978 treaty," he added.他补充说：“日本宪法第98条规定‘日本缔结的条约及国际法规则必须被忠实遵守'，因此日本政府和国会议员有义务严格遵守1972年声明和1978年条约的内容。”On Nov 7, Takaichi made provocative comments at a parliamentary debate, talking of Tokyo's possible military intervention in Taiwan.11月7日，高市早苗在国会辩论中发表挑衅性言论，提及东京可能对台湾进行军事干预。Lin, the spokesman, said that China's stance is very clear.林剑表示，中方立场非常明确。"We urge the Japanese side to reflect on and correct its wrongdoing, and retract Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks," Lin said. "This is an issue of principle. The facts and Japan's commitments are written down in black and white in historical records."他表示：“我们敦促日方反思并纠正错误言行，撤回高市首相的错误言论。这是原则问题。事实和日本的承诺都白纸黑字写在历史文献里。”JointStatement联合声明inalienable/ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/不可分割的underpin/ˌʌndəˈpɪn/奠定基础/支撑provocative comments挑衅性言论in black and white白纸黑字

Day 1,372.Today, as Thanksgiving is marked in the United States – and supposedly the day by which Ukraine was meant to agree to a peace deal, a deadline Donald Trump has now walked back – Russia denies leaking the phone call in which Steve Witkoff coached Vladimir Putin's top aides on how to flatter the former president. We assess whether Marco Rubio's apparent demand – that a peace deal be signed before the US grants Ukraine any security guarantees – is remotely deliverable. We also report on how Moldovan authorities attempted to return a Russian drone that violated their airspace. And later, we hear from the Ukrainian public, and gauge their reaction to this week's extraordinary developments.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Svitlana Morenets, columnist at the Spectator.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Who leaked Witkoff's Kremlin call? These are the main suspects (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/26/steve-witkoff-kremlin-call-main-suspects-witi-leaks/ Made in Moscow: The “U.S. peace plan” for Ukraine was substantially formulated months ago by Kremlin operative Kirill Dmitriev (The Insider):https://theins.press/en/politics/287159 Allies worry US demands Ukraine deal before security guarantees (POLITICO):https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/26/us-demands-peace-deal-before-security-guarantees-for-ukraine-00670210 Moldova's Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country's airspace (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/moldovas-foreign-ministry-confronts-russian-ambassador-with-drone-that-violated-countrys-airspace/ A better way to craft a reparations loan (Hugo Dixon of the Ukraine Reparations Loan):https://www.ukrainereparationsloan.com/post/a-better-way-to-craft-a-reparations-loan Zarah Sultana's pompous, luxury beliefs about Ukraine (The Spectator):https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/zarah-sultanas-pompous-luxury-beliefs-about-ukraine/ Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's refusal to retract her erroneous remarks on theTaiwan question, together with Tokyo's accelerating military buildup near China's doorstep, threatens to push China-Japan relations to a dangerous inflection point.日本首相高市早苗拒绝收回其在台湾问题上的错误言论，加之东京正在中国家门口加速军事扩张，这一态势可能将中日关系推向危险的转折点。By linking the Taiwan question to a "survival-threatening situation" and implying the possibility of Japan's armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, Tokyo has not only touched China's red line but also shaken thepolitical foundation of bilateral relations.日本政府将台湾问题与“生存威胁”挂钩，并暗示日本可能对台湾海峡采取武装干预，此举不仅触碰了中国的红线，更动摇了双边关系的政治根基。Takaichi's remarks encapsulate a policy orientation that contradicts thesolemn commitments the Japanese government has made regarding the Taiwan question in the four political documents between China and Japan, which leave no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.高市早苗的言论所体现的政策取向与日本政府在《中日四项政治文件》中就台湾问题作出的庄严承诺相悖，这些文件不留任何模棱两可或误解的余地。As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized on Sunday, if Japan persists in its own way and keeps making the same mistakes, all countries and people who advocate justice have the right to reexamine Japan's historical crimes and the responsibility to resolutely prevent theresurgence of Japanese militarism.正如中国外交部长王毅周日强调的，如果日本一意孤行、重蹈覆辙，所有主张正义的国家与人民都有权重新审视日本的历史罪行，更有责任坚决防止日本军国主义死灰复燃。Recent developments have reinforced the gravity of the situation. Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has announced that Tokyo will proceed with thedeployment of intermediate-range missiles on Yonaguni Island—barely 110 kilometers from China's Taiwan region—and the rapid expansion of Japan Self-Defense Forces' facilities across the Ryukyu Islands.近期一系列事态发展进一步凸显了局势的严峻性。日本防卫大臣小泉进次郎宣布，东京将推进在距中国台湾地区仅110公里的与那国岛部署中程导弹，并加速在琉球群岛全境扩建日本自卫队设施。These moves, as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday, are a deliberate attempt to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation. They come alongside Japan's first export of lethal weapons since the relaxation of arms export rules and renewed discussions within the Liberal Democratic Party on revising the three non-nuclear principles upheld by Japan and further increasing its defense spending.正如中国外交部发言人毛宁周一所言，这些举动是蓄意制造地区紧张局势、挑起军事对抗的行径。与此同时，日本在放宽武器出口规则后首次出口致命武器，自民党内部也重新讨论修改日本奉行的“三无核原则”，并进一步增加国防开支。The Potsdam Declaration clearly prohibits Japan from rearming and Japan's pacifist Constitution establishes the exclusive defense-oriented principle. High vigilance from the international community is imperative given Tokyo's obvious intent to brush this principle aside.《波茨坦公告》明确禁止日本重新武装，而日本和平宪法确立了以防卫为宗旨的排他性原则。鉴于东京方面明显有意无视这一原则，国际社会必须保持高度警惕。The moves Japan has taken since Takaichi took office last month all demonstrate Japan is trying to break free from the bounds imposed on it by the postwar arrangement that sought to prevent a repeat of its aggression. The international community therefore has every reason to ask—what exactly is Japan seeking to achieve?自上月高市早苗上任以来，日本采取的一系列举措都表明，该国正试图摆脱战后为防止其侵略历史重蹈覆辙而设定的桎梏。因此，国际社会完全有理由追问：日本究竟意欲何为？China has noted Japan mentioning its "consistent position" on the Taiwan question, but as the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman asked, what exactly is this so-called "consistent position"? Can Japan fully and publicly articulate it? If Japan merely reiterates the concept of "an unchanged position", while remaining vague about its specific content and constantly overstepping its boundaries with its actions, then such reiteration is empty rhetoric.中方注意到日方提及在台湾问题上的“一贯立场”，但正如外交部发言人所问，所谓“一贯立场”究竟是什么？日本能否完整、公开地阐述？如果日本只是重复“立场不变”的概念，对具体内容含糊其辞，同时不断以行动越界，那么这种重复不过是空话。Sino-Japanese relations cannot be built on ambiguity, provocation or historical amnesia, which would only become a prelude to repeated history.中日关系不能建立在模糊不清、挑衅和历史遗忘之上，这些只会成为历史重演的前奏。The historical parallel is chilling. The use of pretexts such as "survival-threatening situation" has been a recurring tactic of Japanese militarism—from its 1931 invasion of Northeast China to the expansion of its aggression across Asia and the attack on Pearl Harbor. As the Chinese nation marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, the alarm cannot be ignored. It seems the only thing the Takaichi government learns from history is that it learns nothing from history.历史的相似性令人不寒而栗。日本军国主义屡屡以“生存威胁”等借口为由发动侵略——从1931年侵占中国东北，到在亚洲扩张侵略，再到袭击珍珠港。值此中华民族迎来抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利八十周年之际，这般警钟不容忽视。高市早苗政府从历史中汲取的唯一教训，似乎就是“不汲取任何教训”。Japan's current stance also tramples on historical facts. For half a century, Japan forcibly occupied China's Taiwan island, inflicting enormous suffering on the local population. Taiwan's restoration to China is explicitly affirmed in the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. Taiwan is China's inalienable territory—this is not only a matter of sovereignty but also an integral part of the postwar international order. Japan is the least qualified to make irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, and any attempt to interfere will not be tolerated.日本当前的立场也践踏了历史事实。半个世纪以来，日本强占中国台湾岛，给当地民众造成巨大苦难。《开罗宣言》《波茨坦公告》和《日本投降书》都明确确认台湾回归中国。台湾是中国不可分割的领土——这不仅是主权问题，也是战后国际秩序的重要组成部分。日本最无资格对台湾问题妄加评论，任何干涉企图都绝不容忍。The consequences of Japan's wrongful words and deeds are already emerging. The Chinese people's outrage is real, and it is affecting bilateral exchanges—from declining tourist flows and canceled flights to a reduced market for Japanese products. These are the natural results of public indignation toward provocations that harm China's core interests.日本的妄言妄行已然引发后果。中国人民的愤慨是真实的，正影响着双边交流。从游客减少、航班取消到日本商品市场萎缩，这些都是公众对损害中国核心利益的挑衅行为感到愤慨的自然结果。If Japan truly wants "constructive and stable ties" with China as Tokyo claims, the Takaichi government must first retract the erroneous remarks, take earnest steps to honor its commitments, and stop crossing China's red line on the Taiwan question. Merely asserting that its position has not changed while acting in direct contradiction to that claim will only escalate tensions.如果日本真心希望与中方建立“建设性稳定关系”，正如其一再宣称的那样，高市早苗政府首先必须收回错误言论，切实履行承诺，停止在台湾问题上触碰中国红线。仅声称立场未变却采取与之相悖的行动，只会加剧紧张局势。Taiwan question台湾问题political foundation of bilateral relations双边关系政治基础solemn commitment郑重承诺deployment of intermediate-range missiles中程导弹部署resurgence n./rɪˈsɝː.dʒəns/复苏；兴起；再次兴起；死灰复燃

Beijing urged Tokyo on Friday to take practical steps to honor its commitments to China if it wants to develop a strategic, mutually beneficial relationship with the country.中方于周五敦促日方，如果希望推进中日战略互惠关系的发展，就必须以实际行动履行对华承诺。Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi affirmed in an interview the unchanged stance of advancing the strategic relations between China and Japan of mutual benefit.此前，日本首相高市早苗在采访中声称，将继续推动中日战略互惠关系。对此，中国外交部发言人毛宁作出上述回应。“If Japan truly hopes to develop the strategic relationship of mutual benefit with China and make the relationship a constructive and stable one fit for the new era, Japan needs to uphold the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries and its political commitments, retract the erroneous remarks at once and take practical steps to honor its commitments to China,” Mao said.毛宁表示：“如果日本真正希望推动中日战略互惠关系，使其成为契合新时代的建设性、稳定性关系，就必须恪守两国四个政治文件的精神及自身政治承诺，立即撤回错误言论，并以实际行动履行对华承诺。”The blatant and erroneous remarks on Taiwan made by the Japanese prime minister earlier this month implied the possibility of Japan intervening in the Taiwan Strait by force, which triggered outrage and condemnation from the Chinese people, Mao said at a daily news conference in Beijing. China firmly opposes such moves, she said.她指出，日本首相本月早些时候就台湾问题发表的明显错误言论暗示日本可能以武力干预台湾海峡局势，引发中国民众强烈愤慨与谴责。中方对此表示坚决反对。Mao also slammed Japan's recent moves of breaking free from its exclusively defense-oriented principle and speeding up rearmament, warning that going back to the path of militarism will only “end in failure”.毛宁同时批评日本近来不断突破“专守防卫”原则、加速推动军事扩张，警告日本重回军国主义道路只会“以失败告终”。It was reported that Japan has exported domestically produced Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors to the United States for the first time under eased restrictions on arms exports.报道称，在放宽武器出口限制后，日本首次向美国出口国产“爱国者”防空导弹拦截系统。There are also reports saying that Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has begun discussions on revising the three non-nuclear principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons, as well as increasing defense spending.另有报道称，日本自民党开始讨论修改“不拥有、不制造、不引进”核武器的三原则，并计划进一步提高防卫开支。In recent years, Japan has been easing the restrictions and seeking military buildup, Mao noted.毛宁指出，近年来日本不断放宽限制，谋求军事扩张。While claiming it hopes to build a world free of nuclear weapons, Japan is actually strengthening cooperation on extended deterrence and even seeking to revise its three non-nuclear principles to open the door for enabling nuclear sharing arrangements.她批评日本一边宣称希望构建无核武世界，一边却加强所谓“延伸威慑”合作，甚至试图修改三原则，为“核共享”打开大门。“What exactly is Japan seeking to achieve?” Mao asked. “If Japan seeks to go back to the path of militarism, violate its commitment to peaceful development and disrupt postwar international order, the Chinese people as well as the international community will not allow it,” she said.毛宁质问：“日本究竟想要做什么？”她强调：“如果日本企图重走军国主义道路，违背和平发展承诺，破坏战后国际秩序，中国人民和国际社会都不会允许。”honor one's commitments履行承诺strategic relationship of mutual benefit战略互惠关系surface-to-air missile interceptor地对空导弹拦截器military buildup军事扩张

In one of the more freakish acts of genocide propaganda we've seen in the last two years, the official Twitter account of the Israel Foreign Ministry made a post smearing desperate, starving civilians as cruel savages using the false allegation that they "tore apart" a "whale" that had become "stranded" on the beach. Reading by Tim Foley.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The 47-boat Global Sumud Flotilla is set to reach the Strip this week, potentially over the Jewish holy day, Yom Kippur, which starts tonight. It is carrying over 500 activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, as well as parliamentarians and lawyers. Fabian tells what he can us about the IDF’s plans for interception, within the confines of the military censor. On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that Hamas documents recovered by Israeli troops in Gaza allegedly reveal the terror group’s “direct involvement” in the flotilla, through the group’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians, or PCPA. We hear more about the PCPA and how Israel links Hamas to it. A senior Hamas official told the BBC this morning that the terror group will likely reject US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, telling the British network that it “serves Israel’s interests” and “ignores those of the Palestinian people.” Horovitz delves into the Hamas terror group's points of opposition. We hear how Qatar, Egypt and Turkey have urged Hamas to give a positive response to US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal. Horovitz speculates on whose best interests these countries are representing, even as they have signed on to helping rebuild and fill the security vacuum in Gaza as Israel pulls out in the day after the war. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Gaza flotilla rebuffs calls to stop, as Israel readies for complex interception Documents from Gaza show Hamas’s ‘direct involvement’ with aid flotilla, Israel claims Italian navy frigate to quit shepherding Gaza aid flotilla as it approaches coast Qatar, Egypt and Turkey said to urge Hamas to accept Trump’s Gaza ceasefire proposal Arab, Muslim nations pledge to realize Trump’s Gaza plan; Hamas examining it ‘responsibly’ Trump says Hamas has ‘three or four days’ to respond to Gaza plan or ‘pay in hell’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs to Gaza to deliver aid amidst Israel's blockade on the Palestinian territory, in the Tunisian port of Bizerte, September 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Anis Mili)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar often presents itself as a neutral mediator in the world's trickiest problems, but on Sept. 9, its sovereignty was violated as Israel launched a strike to assassinate top Hamas leaders in Doha. Will Qatar change its strategy? No, explains Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson of the country's Foreign Ministry, at a live event with host Ravi Agrawal along the sidelines of the 80th U.N. General Assembly.  Plus, One Thing from Ravi on a feeling that seems in rare supply but was surprisingly abundant in New York this week: hope. Mina Al-Oraibi: Qatar Strike Creates Rift but Not Rupture in Gulf-Israel Ties  Matthew Duss: Recognize Palestine, Then Put Real Pressure on Israel Ravi's interview with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Ravi's interview with Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Vladimir Putin lays out his demands for ending the war in Ukraine, including major territorial concessions by Kyiv and global recognition of Russia's claims. Israel's Foreign Ministry defends its military after the killing of an Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza sparks condemnation worldwide. President Trump brokers a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, ending nearly four decades of conflict in the Caucasus. And in today's Back of the Brief—A Chinese warship crashes into its own coast guard vessel while chasing a Philippine boat in the South China Sea. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. 866-885-1881 or visit https://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB - NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org   Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices